Winter Chicken Care: Keeping Hens Cozy, Healthy, and Happy
- Serenity Hill Farm LLC
- Jan 30
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 3
During this harsh winter season when we have -35F wind chills, I frequently get asked this question: “How do you care for and keep all the chickens warm in the winter months?”
The short answer? They’re doing just fine—actually, better than fine. Think less “all cooped up” and more living the good life in a Cadillac.
Our happy hens on a frigid January day with a -35F windchill.
Chickens Are Built for Winter (Really!)
One of the biggest misconceptions about chickens is that they need heaters and extra fuss when temperatures drop. In reality, chickens are incredibly well adapted to cold weather. Their feathers provide excellent insulation, and when they roost together at night, they naturally share body heat.
The real winter enemies aren’t cold temperatures—it’s moisture and drafts.
The Cadillac Coop Advantage
Our hens live in a beautifully designed coop from Carolina Coops, and it makes all the difference in winter comfort and health.
Here’s what keeps our flock happy and thriving all winter long:
Excellent ventilation
This is the big one. Proper airflow allows moisture to escape, keeping the coop dry. Dry air = warmer birds and healthier combs and feet.
Draft-free design
Fresh air circulates above the roosting level, so the girls stay out of chilly drafts while still breathing clean air.
Deep, fluffy hemp bedding
A thick layer of hemp bedding gives them something cozy to snuggle into and helps regulate temperature naturally.
Automatic heated waterer
No frozen water, no constant refilling, and no thirsty chickens. This alone is a winter game-changer.
Light, space, and room to move
Even on cold days, our hens scratch, explore, and lounge comfortably—often sunbathing like they’re on a winter retreat.
Extra Winter Nutrition: Fuel for Warm, Happy Hens
Cold weather means chickens burn more energy just staying warm, so winter is when we step up their nutrition with wholesome, protein-rich treats.
Scrambled eggs
Yes—eggs for chickens! We serve them warm and plain for an extra protein boost that supports feather health and energy during cold months.
Mealworms from Grubbly Farms
These are a huge hit. Mealworms are packed with protein and healthy fats, making them a perfect cold-weather treat that keeps our hens active and satisfied.
Warm kitchen scraps (seasonally appropriate)
Think veggie trimmings and wholesome leftovers—nothing salty or processed—served warm on especially cold days for both nutrition and enrichment.
These extras aren’t just treats—they’re part of keeping our flock strong, resilient, and content through the winter season.
No Heat Lamps—And Here’s Why
We don’t use supplemental heat, and that’s very intentional. Chickens acclimate beautifully to cold weather, but adding artificial heat can actually make them less cold-hardy and more vulnerable if the power goes out. A well-designed coop, good nutrition, and dry conditions are far safer and healthier.
Winter Bliss, Chicken-Style
On bright winter mornings, you’ll often find our hens basking in the sunlight, feathers fluffed, looking utterly content. While it may be frigid outside, inside the coop it’s all happy clucks, warm toes, and very loved birds.
At Serenity Hill, winter isn’t something to survive, it’s just another season to enjoy. And our chickens? They’re proof that with thoughtful design and good care, winter can be downright cozy.
If you’re curious about raising chickens in colder climates or want to see how our flock lives through the seasons, pull up a chair and follow our newsletter. We love sharing life on the farm.
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