Warning: Undefined array key "sfsi_plus_riaIcon_order" in /var/www/tw.cm.upt.ro/wp-content/plugins/ultimate-social-media-plus/libs/sfsi_widget.php on line 1827
Warning: Undefined array key "sfsi_plus_inhaIcon_order" in /var/www/tw.cm.upt.ro/wp-content/plugins/ultimate-social-media-plus/libs/sfsi_widget.php on line 1828
Warning: Undefined array key "sfsi_plus_inha_display" in /var/www/tw.cm.upt.ro/wp-content/plugins/ultimate-social-media-plus/libs/sfsi_widget.php on line 1919
…does not exist. It all depends on where you live, but there are some tricks to have the best housing for you chickens.
Should your chickens sleep in a wooden coop or a brick one? Should they have heating in the winter or not? We tend to believe that chickens need the same living conditions as we do. Here are some dos and don’ts for chicken keeping, regardless of which climate you live in.
First and foremost, we need to understand that chickens have been domesticated around 10,000 years ago in South-East Asia and Oceania. So, even if they originally lived in a tropical climate, chickens have had more than enough time to adapt to colder living conditions as well. Don’t be afraid that your chickens will freeze in the winter. They have an inbuilt “heating system”. In the colder months, there will be less blood flow in the extremities and their feathers will not let any warmth escape. If the temperatures are really low, they will cuddle up next to each other to keep warm.
1. Free ranging chickens will often prefer to sleep in a tree. Yes, you read that right. An entire flock in one big tree. Be it winter or summer, they would feel safest there and it is very easy for them to regulate their temperature. They can keep the distance or scooch next to each other when cold. In order to feel safe in their chicken coop, it is mandatory that you simulate the tree branches. Add perches at different heights and even ramps or ladders and make sure they have enough room fly or jump from one to the other.
2. Nesting boxes are a must! If you don’t provide your flock with nests or nesting boxes, they will lay their eggs in the most unusual places. The real issue is that they need a safe space to lay eggs, otherwise they will be very stressed. We opted for two woven baskets with hay in it and our chickens love it. They always choose the bigger basket, as they also like to sit together when laying eggs. Even three chickens at a time. You can see how much they love our nest in the photo below.
3. Ventilation is key. Be it summer or winter, be the chicken coop dirty or clean, a good ventilation will keep your chickens from getting sick. We have a coop made out of wood, that automatically lets the air flow through the cracks. Still, we have a small window that is open even during wintertime. In the summer, both the window and the door have an opening.
4. Even if chickens can very well adapt to freezing temperatures, a little help is needed if you own a wood coop. The best option for us was to simply insulate the coop with hay bales. Simple, eco-friendly and non-wasteful, as we will use the hay in the spring. We also added hay on the floor for insulation, but also for an easy clean-up. Just make sure that the hay stays dry. Attention! Do not use wood shavings inside the coop, as they provide the perfect breeding ground for mites.
5. Don’t forget outside spaces as well. Especially if you have a small chicken coop, you would also need a covered space, where your flock can take shelter from harsh weather. We added hay in our sheltered space as well, but you can also make a dust bath there, where it will be protected from the rain and the ash will stay dry. Our chickens love their outside “safe space” and usually sleep there during the day.
We do hope you’ve learned something new. As always, don’t forget to follow us on social media.
