While many birds migrate south for the winter, several species remain in Canada year-round. Supporting these resilient birds during the colder months not only supports local ecosystems but also offers you the chance to enjoy watching them right outside your window.
Here are three simple ways to attract winter birds to your backyard:
- Delay Cleanup Until Spring
One of the easiest ways to help birds is by postponing garden cleanup until spring. While it might be tempting to tidy up fallen seeds, nuts, and berries, these natural food sources are vital for migrating and wintering birds. By leaving them in place, you’re providing an abundant, natural buffet for your feathered friends.
- Provide Habitat with Native Trees and Shrubs
Creating a bird-friendly habitat begins with the right plants. Add a variety of native trees and shrubs to your yard, which provide both food and shelter. In winter, the branches of these plants offer birds a safe place from harsh weather.
- Offer Sheltered Resting Places
Birdhouses and nesting boxes are essential for winter survival. These structures give birds a place to rest and seek refuge from the cold. Be sure to clean out any birdhouses after the nesting season to prevent disease buildup and offer a fresh, safe environment for the winter months.
Common Winter Birds in the Atlantic Provinces:
Several bird species stick around through the winter in the Atlantic provinces. Some of the most common include:
- Black-Capped Chickadee: Prefers Black Oil Sunflower Seeds
- White-Breasted Nuthatch: Prefers Black Oil Sunflower Seeds & Suet
- House & Purple Finches: Prefer Black Oil Sunflower Seeds
- Northern Cardinals: Prefer Black Oil Sunflower Seeds
- Blue Jays: Prefer Black Oil Sunflower Seeds & Cracked Corn
- American Goldfinches: Prefer Nyjer Seeds
- Common Redpolls: Prefer Black Oil Sunflower Seeds
- Brown Creepers: Prefer Suet
Expert Tip: Black Oil Sunflower Seeds and Suet are some of the best options for attracting the widest variety of birds to your winter feeders.
For more backyard birding tips, be sure to check out our other blogs!
Winter Backyard Bird Enthusiasts
Feeding Wild Birds in Winter
Keep Backyard Birds Healthy in Winter
Best Winter Bird Seed
Best Winter Bird Feeders
What Makes a Great Coop
Chickens make a great addition to your backyard or homestead, but deciding how to house them is one of the most crucial decisions you’ll face as a poultry owner. A well-designed chicken coop should include key elements to create a thriving environment for your flock.
- Coop Space
Make sure your coop is spacious enough for the number of chickens you have. Standard laying hens need about 1.5 to 2 square feet of space each, while meat birds and bantam breeds typically require around 4 square feet. Inadequate space can lead to health problems, such as egg-eating and feather plucking. Ensure your flock has enough room to spread their wings and move around to avoid any feature health issues.
- Ventilation
One of the biggest causes of poor air quality inside a chicken coop is ammonia. Ammonia is released from fresh or moist chicken feces and can be bad for the health of your chickens if it reaches high levels. Proper ventilation helps to remove excess ammonia and maintain clean air. Vents should be placed near the top of the coop to allow contaminated air to escape while avoiding drafts that could make the chickens uncomfortable.
- Insulation
Insulation is very important in climates such as the Maritimes that experience cold winters and hot summers. Proper insulation keeps the coop comfortable for your chickens and can also reduce heating costs in winter.
Ensure any gaps or cracks are sealed to prevent rodents like mice and snakes from entering the coop.
- Roosting Perch
Chickens prefer to sleep off the ground, so providing proper roosting perches is crucial. Roosts should be wide enough to allow chickens to comfortably perch and placed about 1.5 feet above the floor. A strong, spacious roost ensures your chickens can rest without crowding, which is vital for their health and comfort.
- Nesting Boxes
Your chicken coop should always have nesting boxes for your laying hens. These boxes provide a quiet, private space for chickens to lay eggs, making it easier for you to collect them. Keep the boxes dark and position them lower than the roosting bars to prevent chickens from roosting or pooping in them. A general rule is one nesting box for every four chickens. Use soft bedding, like wood shavings or chopped straw, and replace it regularly to prevent the buildup of harmful bacteria.
- Lighting
Adequate lighting is important, especially if your chickens spend significant time indoors. Chickens’ reproductive cycles are linked to daylight, and without enough light, egg production may drop. During the winter, when daylight is shorter, supplementing with soft, yellow artificial light can help maintain egg production. However, constant lighting should be avoided, as it can interfere with their natural cycle.
- Predator Proofing
Check your coop regularly for any areas that a predator may easily breach. Inspect all coop structures, including doors, windows, walls, roof, and floor. Predators are often capable of fitting through tiny holes, so use hardware cloth secured by washers and screws to cover up any cracks or holes in your coop structure, as well as any windows.
If your flock free ranges during the day, ensure everyone is back inside before nightfall and that the coop door is latched securely each night with a lock that predators cannot open.
- Food & Water Supply
A reliable system for food and water is vital for your chickens’ health. Keep feeders and waterers clean and stocked, and place them away from roosting areas to prevent contamination. Providing access to fresh water and a consistent food supply helps prevent dehydration and malnutrition, which can make chickens more susceptible to disease and reduce egg production.
- Raised Floor
A raised plywood floor is ideal for a chicken coop, as it helps keep the bedding dry by improving airflow underneath. This can prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to health problems. A raised floor is more effective than concrete or dirt in shedding moisture.
- Litter Trays
Chickens poop while sleeping, so using a litter tray under the chicken roost is a great way to make cleaning the coop easier. Chicken feces should be removed from the coop frequently to help control ammonia levels.
These features should be high on your priority list when thinking about the interior design of your chicken coop. A chicken coop designed with the proper elements will make a significant contribution to the health and well-being of your flock and, in the long run, reduce the cost of raising chickens.
Benefits of Raising Backyard Birds
Whether you’re considering adding meat birds, laying hens, or turkeys to your backyard flock, each type offers unique advantages. From providing fresh, high-quality food to contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle, backyard birds can be a rewarding addition to your home. Let’s explore the specific benefits of each type of bird and how they can enhance your backyard farming experience.
Meat Birds
- Superior Quality Meat: By raising your own meat birds, you ensure a supply of fresh, high-quality meat, free from hormones and antibiotics.
- Diet Control: You have the ability to manage their diet, leading to healthier and more flavourful meat.
- Cost Efficiency: Over time, raising meat birds can be more economical than buying meat from the store, especially if you raise them in larger numbers.
- Sustainability: Raising your own meat birds supports a more sustainable lifestyle by reducing dependence on commercial meat production.
Laying Hens
- Fresh Eggs: Enjoy a steady supply of fresh, nutritious eggs, often richer in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins compared to store-bought eggs.
- Natural Pest Control: Chickens help control pests in your yard by foraging for insects.
- Organic Fertilizer: Chicken manure is an excellent fertilizer, enhancing your garden’s soil with essential nutrients.
- Educational Value: Raising hens can be a wonderful educational experience for children, teaching them about responsibility and the origins of their food.
Turkeys
- Healthy Meat: Turkey meat is a lean, high-protein option, making it a healthy addition to your diet.
- Environmental Impact: Raising turkeys can lower your carbon footprint compared to commercial farming and they help reduce waste by consuming kitchen scraps.
- Economic Benefits: Save on grocery bills and potentially earn extra income by selling turkey meat, eggs, or feathers.
- Family Activity: Caring for turkeys can be a fun family project, promoting teamwork and sustainable living practices.
Gift Guide for Homesteaders
Looking for the perfect Christmas Gifts? Feeds’n Needs has a great selection of gifts for everyone on your list! Here are some of our top ideas:
Books – Farmer’s Almanac, gardening books, recipe books, and how-to books, you’ll be sure to find the perfect option!
Canning & Preserving Supplies – Mason jars, lids, and fermentation kits so that someone on your list you’re shopping for can preserve the foods they grow!
Seed-Starting Supplies – Help them prepare for the upcoming growing season by gifting them seed-starting supplies! Plant pots, trays, starter soil, peat pellets, plant markers, etc.
Sprout Growing Kit – For greens all year long, you can’t go wrong with sprouts. Healthy and packed full of nutrients, sprouts are both easy and fun to grow, so get them started with a sprout starter kit!
Vesey’s Seeds – The gift that keeps on giving! Gift them high-quality Vesey’s seeds this Christmas.
Gardening Supplies – Gardening gloves, tools, a soil test kit, a rain gauge, etc. Useful gifts they’ll surely appreciate!
Beekeeping Starter Kit – Bees play a vital role in fertilizing the plants we grow, and their by-products can be used for all sorts of things! If someone on your list is interested in beekeeping, a starter kit could be the perfect gift for them!
Farm Décor – Chicken coop signs, farm style décor, garden flags, door mats, and so much more will make perfect gifts for the homesteader in your life!
Walton Wood Farm Products – Consciously crafted, natural beauty and personal care products make the perfect gift for any hard-working homesteader to relax and pamper themselves!
Rescue Coffee – Premium, fair trade, organic coffee for a good cause! With each bag purchased, 10% of the profits go towards helping local shelter animals. Available in multiple delicious flavours.
Coffee Mug – Pair a new mug with a bag of rescue coffee, and you’ve got a perfect gift for the coffee lover on your list!
Apron – A great gift for the homesteader who loves to cook and bake!
Egg Basket – An excellent tool for the chicken farmer in your life. Egg baskets make egg collection easy with less risk of breaking eggs!
Feeds’n Needs Gift Card – Not sure what they would like? Why not give them a gift card to Feeds’ n Needs?!
Visit your local Feeds’n Needs to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list!
5 Things to do With Your Pet at Christmas
The holiday season is a time for spending quality moments with loved ones, but don’t forget about the furry members of your family! Pets can sometimes feel overwhelmed by all the guests, new smells, and tempting (but dangerous) decorations. However, Christmas is the perfect opportunity to bond with your pet and include them in the festive fun. Here are five things to do with your pet this holiday season:
- Take a Holiday Lights Walk with Your Dog
Like us, dogs are often fascinated by the twinkling lights and colourful displays during the holiday season. Take your dog for a stroll around your neighbourhood to enjoy the decorations together. Remember that it might be too cold for a long walk, so try to keep it local or invest in some protective gear like booties and a jacket for your dog, which are available at your local Feeds’n Needs. - Create Festive Games for Your Pet
Every pet is different, so take some time to find indoor activities that will engage your furry friend. Here are a few festive game ideas for both dogs and cats:
Indoor Games for Dogs:
Tug-of-War: A classic game, just make sure to use a toy that’s gentle on your dog’s teeth!
Toy Naming: Teach your dog the names of their toys, and reward them with a dog-friendly Christmas treat when they fetch the right one.
Hide and Seek: After teaching your dog to stay, hide somewhere in the house and call them to find you. Be ready to shower them with praise when they succeed!
Indoor Games for Cats:
Christmas Puzzle: Turn a cardboard box into a fun puzzle by cutting holes and filling it with treats, catnip, or toys. Watch your cat’s excitement as they figure out how to get the goodies!
Fetch: Believe it or not, many cats love playing fetch! Toss a catnip-filled toy and encourage them to bring it back. It may take some time, but most cats will eventually learn that the game only continues if they bring it back. - Play in the Snow
Many pets love to play in the snow. Dogs, in particular, enjoy frolicking in the winter wonderland. Whether it’s your backyard, a local park, or a walking trail, let your dog experience the joy of running in the snow. Not all pets, however, enjoy the cold, and that’s perfectly fine.
Indoor cats and rabbits should be on a harness and leash to prevent them from running away if they get too scared. Keep an eye on their behaviour, and if the outdoors is too cold and scary for them, take them back inside immediately, where it’s warm and cozy. - Try a Festive Costume
Some pets love getting dressed up for the holidays, while others may be a little more skeptical. If your pet is open to it, dress them in a festive outfit like a sweater, bandana, or holiday-themed hat. Start with something simple, and if they’re comfortable, work your way up to more elaborate costumes. Just remember to be patient and keep an eye on how they’re reacting to ensure they’re happy. - Snap Holiday Photos with Santa
Capture your pet’s festive spirit by taking a photo with Santa! Here are some tips to help you get the perfect shot:- Introduce them to Santa slowly and calmly.
- Be part of the picture or have one person directing your pet.
- Treats will help!
- Have patience.
- Exercise before the photo to tire them out.
- Squeaky toys are great to get them to look at the camera.
- If all else fails, capture your pet behaving naturally.
We hope these activities bring some extra joy to your holiday season and help you bond with your pet. Wishing you and your furry friends a safe, happy, and paw-some Christmas!
10 Christmas Gifts for Your Cat
Sometimes we just want to spoil our furry friends with the purrfect gift. Whether it’s delicious new treats, an exciting toy, or something entirely different, Feeds’n Needs offers a wide variety of fantastic gift options for your feline friends!
Check out our top 10 Christmas gifts ideas from Feeds’n Needs to help your cat enjoy this festive season:
- Treats
You can’t go wrong with delicious treats this Christmas! We recommend Cat Cravings! These delicious freeze-dried treats come in multiple flavours that your cat will go crazy for! - Toys
With so many options to choose from, why not spoil your cat with a variety of toys? From wands to balls to kickers, Feeds’n Needs has something for every cat! - Catnip
Loose catnip, sprays, and even catnip bubbles are all fantastic ways to amp up your cat’s playtime! Try sprinkling some on their favorite cat tree or scratcher for extra fun. - A New Bed
Who doesn’t love a cozy spot to curl up in, especially at Christmas? Your cats will love a new bed to nap and lounge in! Check out the selection of cat beds at your local Feeds’n Needs. - Cat Tree or Scratcher
Spoil them with a new place to scratch and play! Sisal cat trees make a great long-lasting gift your cat will love, and if you’re looking for a scratcher that will save space and money, cardboard scratch boards are the way to go! - Grooming Tools
Help your cat look their best this holiday season with a new brush, dry shampoo, or nail clippers. It’s the perfect gift for a pampered feline! - A Water Fountain
Encourage your cat to drink more water with a moving water fountain. It’s a great way to keep them hydrated and happy. - Interactive Toys
From puzzle toys to treat dispensers and interactive feeders, these gadgets offer enrichment and mental stimulation for your cat! - High Quality Food
Give your cat the gift of premium nutrition! Ask the experts at Feeds’n Needs to help you find the best high-quality food that suits your cat’s unique needs. - New Litter Box
While they may not be excited about it, a new litter box is something you’ll both appreciate! Litter boxes should typically be replaced every year, making Christmas the perfect time for an upgrade.
Visit your local Feeds’n Needs, where our experts will help you find the most ameowzing gift for your cat!
Winter Horse Care Basics
As the cold weather sets in, horse owners face the unique challenge of keeping their equine companions safe, comfortable, and healthy throughout winter. From managing their shelter and nutrition to ensuring proper grooming and exercise, this guide will walk you through the key steps to help your horse thrive during the colder season. With a bit of preparation and attention to detail, you can ensure your horse stays warm, safe, and happy all winter long.
How Do Horses Keep Themselves Warm?
Horses are naturally well-equipped to handle cold weather, as they can regulate their body temperature within a range of 5°C to 25°C. When temperatures drop below 5°C, horses will increase their natural defences against cold by:
- Eating more forage.
- Managing their blood flow, reducing flow to the limbs and pooling most of their blood to their core and vital organs.
- Growing a thick winter hair coat.
- Increasing movement and shivering.
- Seeking shelter.
Several factors may contribute to how well your horse manages the cold, including their age (if they’re very old or young), if they are clipped, whether they have access to shelter, etc. If not properly cared for during the winter, a horse’s body condition may backslide, making for an unhealthy and underweight horse come spring.
Winter Feeding
One of the main ways that horses can keep warm during winter is by eating. The process of microbial fermentation of forage in a horse’s digestive system generates heat in their body. Horses will burn more calories in the winter to stay warm, so compensate for this by feeding them more forage. It is recommended to feed horses 1.5% – 3% of their body weight in forage during the colder months.
Water Intake
One of the challenges of caring for horses in the winter is their disinclination to drink water. This means that dehydration is a great concern in the winter, so finding ways to entice your horse to drink is very important. Most 1000 lb horses require at least 10 -12 gallons of water per day, and the following tips should help you get your horse to drink their daily requirement:
- Install a bucket heater or trough deicer to keep water from freezing
- Increase your horses salt intake by offering a free-choice salt lick in their stall or add a loose mineral supplement to their feed.
- Consider adding electrolytes to your horse’s water to help prevent dehydration
- Keep water clean and fresh for your horse
Provide Shelter
Access to shelter is crucial for helping horses withstand colder temperatures and stay protected during the winter months. A run-in shed provides an important buffer against extreme weather conditions like wind, rain, and snow, which can quickly lower their body temperature and lead to discomfort or health risks. By providing a safe place to retreat from the elements, horses can tolerate lower temperatures and help them stay healthy and comfortable throughout the winter season.
Reducing Ice Buildup
Icy conditions in winter pose slipping risks to not only us but our equine companions as well. It’s essential to be aware of freeze-thaw patterns and stay on top of preventing ice buildup in places your horse frequents, such as stalls, around their water trough, north sides of buildings, paddocks, etc. A few of the ways you can be proactive in preventing and reducing ice buildup are:
- Repair leaky rain gutters on barns or run-ins that drip and form ice.
- Avoid spilling water when filling troughs and repair any leaks that may drip.
- Remove snow from frequently used pathways and paddocks to decrease water buildup and frozen puddles.
- Reduce the amount of manure in the paddock, as it is prone to freezing and will leave you with a muddy mess in the spring!
- Improve your paddock’s grade by building up sunken ground where water may pool and freeze in the winter.
- Create traction in icy areas by putting down shavings, straw, sand or salt. Refrain from feeding horses near where you spread sand or salt, as they may eat it off the ground. Always make sure your horse has an alternative source of salt if you choose to spread pure salt to melt the ice.
Winter Hoof & Health Care
Horse hooves require lots of attention during the winter to ensure potential issues can be addressed quickly. Keep these tasks on your winter horse care to-do list:
- Regularly pick out hooves to remove snow buildup and inspect them to ensure there is no bacteria or infection in the crevices of the frog.
- Although hooves grow slower in the winter, they should still be trimmed every 6-8 weeks.
- Consider removing metal shoes and allowing your horse to go barefoot in the winter. Going barefoot gives your horse more traction on icy winter terrain.
- If you do keep your horse shod in the winter, consider adding metal studs or snow pads to their shoes.
- Ensure horses have access to a dry place to stand and dry their hooves. Hooves that are wet for extended periods of time can lead to rot and infection.
Along with regular hoof care, there are a few other health maintenance tasks to be aware of in the winter to ensure your horse is in the best health:
- Deep mud and snow make it near impossible for your horses’ legs to fully dry off, leading to skin conditions like mud fever. While providing a place for your horse to stand and dry off can help prevent this, we still recommend that you check over your horse’s legs and hooves daily for signs of disease or infection.
- Heavy hair coats and blankets can sometimes hide weight loss, so we recommend regular body condition scoring to check your horse’s weight and assess their health.
Blanketing
Not every horse needs to be blanketed in the winter. Some horses are well-equipped to handle the cold without a blanket. However, blanketing may be necessary for a horse for the following reasons:
- No shelter is available to protect from the elements during turnout when the weather drops below -15 C.
- The horse is clipped.
- The horse is very young or old.
- The horse has a body condition score of 3 or less.
- The horse isn’t acclimated to the cold.
- If there is a chance the horse will become wet due to rain, freezing rain, or calm, warm snowfall.
If you are trying to decide whether to blanket your horse in the winter, we recommend speaking to your equine veterinarian about the best decision for your horse.
If you blanket your horse, make sure that it fits them well to prevent rubbing and sores, and remove and reposition the blanket daily. Always ensure the blanket stays dry, and never put a blanket on a wet horse, as this can lead to infection or fungal diseases such as rain rot.
Exercise
Horses need regular exercise in the winter to get their blood flowing, reduce boredom, raise body temperature, and, of course, stay fit, happy and healthy. Provide lots of turnout time for exercise, and if possible, enjoy a wintertime ride when the weather is nice! One thing to consider when exercising your horse in the winter is cooling them out. Leaving a hot, wet horse to stand in the cold without properly being cooled out can lead to illness.
How to Cool Out Your Horse
Following your ride, walk your horse for 10-15 minutes to allow heat in their muscles to dissipate. Once you’ve dismounted, loosen the girth or cinch, but don’t remove the saddle yet, as cold air can cause warm muscles to cramp. Cover your horse with a cooler to help wick the moisture away while you walk them for a few more minutes. Remove the saddle, but put the cooler back on while you continue to walk your horse for a bit longer until they are cooled down.
Proper winter care is essential to keeping your horse healthy and comfortable throughout the colder months. From adjusting their diet to reducing slipping hazards, every detail matters. For more advice and top-quality products to meet your horse’s winter needs, visit us in-store – our experts are here to help you every step of the way!
For more expert advice and horse care tips, check out our blog!
Horses Hoof and Skin Health
Deworming Your Horse
Importance of Fiber in a Horses Diet
10 Christmas Gifts for Your Dog
This holiday season, don’t forget to spoil your furry friend with a special gift! As you shop for friends and family, take some time to find the perfect present for your pup. Whether it’s a new toy, tasty treats, or something else entirely, there’s no shortage of great gift options for dogs at Feeds’n Needs!
To help you choose, we’ve rounded up the top 10 best dog gift ideas from Feeds’n Needs that are sure to bring joy to your pet this Christmas:
- Kongs
For dogs of all ages and chewing habits, Kongs are a must-have! Fill them with tasty treats or Kong Easy Treat filling to keep your dog engaged and entertained longer. - Collar & Leash
Available in many styles, sizes and colors, you’re sure to find the perfect new set for your dog. Consider adding an LED Nighthowl necklace for added safety on nighttime walks! - Plush Toy
Is your dog a fan of playtime? Surprise them with a new plush toy! Choose from our wide variety of sizes and designs to match your dog’s personality. - A Cozy New Bed
Spoil your dog with a comfy new bed! Our stores offer an assortment of sizes and styles, so you can find the perfect one for your dog to curl up in. - Dog Tag
What better to go with a new collar and leash than a new dog tag?! (Not all locations have engraver in-store, but tags can be ordered through other stores) - Supplements
Show your dog you care by gifting them health-boosting supplements. We recommend Thrive Herring Oil for its many benefits like promoting skin and coat health. - Treats
Treat them right by spoiling them with their favorite snacks and chews! Tartar busters and beef jerky are fan favorites year after year! - Grooming Supplies
Help your dog look and feel their best with new grooming essentials like shampoo or a brush to leave their coat silky soft and smelling fabulous. - Food & Water Bowls
From elevated bowls to slow feeders, we offer a wide selection of options to suit every dog’s needs and eating habits. - Bosco & Roxy Cookies
Who doesn’t love indulging in some tasty cookies at Christmas time? Bosco and Roxy makes cookies made specifically for dogs that they’re sure to drool over!
When selecting gifts, consider your dog’s size, age, and preferences. Some dogs may prefer toys they can chew, while others might enjoy interactive toys that challenge their minds. Visit your local Feeds’n Needs and our Experts will help you find that perfect gift for your pooch!
Dog Grooming Tips for Winter
While most dogs love playing in the snow, the cold and ice can be harsh on their fur and skin. Winter dog grooming is just as important as any other time of the year, possibly even more important. Here are some simple tips to help keep your dog comfortable and safe throughout the colder season.
Protect Paws
Ice and salt can irritate your dog’s paw pads. After outdoor walks, rinse their paws with warm water to remove any debris and prevent irritation. If your dog does not mind, you can put on dog socks or boots to protect their paws from the cold.
If their paw pads become cracked or chapped, apply a paw balm for added protection. You can even apply balm before walks for an extra layer of defense. Just remember to wash it off when you return inside to remove any buildup embedded in the balm.
Trim Nails Often
Cold temperatures, snow, and low humidity can make your dog’s nails more brittle, increasing the likelihood of breaks. Broken nails can be painful, even if they don’t bleed. Keeping your dog’s nails short all winter is the best way to keep them from breaking.
Protect Your Pups Nose
Your dog’s nose may need some extra attention during the winter months. Cold air can dry out their noses, causing cracks or discomfort and even impact their sense of smell. Use a special nose balm (or a combined paw-and-nose balm) to keep your dog’s nose soft and moist throughout the colder season.
Maintain Their Coat
It’s a common misconception that dogs should avoid haircuts in the winter. In reality, dogs can maintain their regular grooming routine year-round. Whether you do it yourself or visit a professional groomer, regular trims help keep your dog’s coat in top shape.
To help combat shedding and matting, brush your dog at least once a week (or daily for some breeds). Brushing is just as important. Make it a habit to brush your dog at least weekly (or daily for some breeds) to prevent mats and tangles. Brushing also helps distribute natural oils, which moisturize and protect the skin and coat. A well-maintained coat will help keep your dog warm and insulated during chilly walks.
Use Conditioner
Winter air can dry out your dog’s skin and coat, leading to dandruff, irritation, and discomfort. Regular baths help remove dirt and irritants, but follow up with a conditioner to replenish lost oils. This will soothe dry, itchy skin and help keep their fur soft and healthy.
Use a Dog Sweater or Jacket
A dog sweater or jacket can be a great investment if your dog will be outside for extended periods and has a thin or short coat. They will help keep your dog cozy during walks or outside playtime.
Following these grooming tips can help ensure your dog stays comfortable, healthy, and happy all winter!
How to Care for Chickens in Winter
As temperatures drop and snow blankets the ground, it’s essential to ensure your feathered friends remain healthy and comfortable all winter long. From preparing the coop to keeping waterers from freezing, this blog will guide you through the best practices for keeping your chickens happy and healthy throughout winter.
Manage Drafts & Insulate the Coop
Give your coop a thorough inspection, checking for any cracks or holes allowing air to flow through the coop. Straw or newspaper can be stuffed into cracks or holes to seal them and prevent drafts. Ensure your coop is well insulated before the temperature drops to keep your flock warm on those chilly winter nights. Insulating can be as easy as covering your coop with old carpets, blankets, burlap, or cardboard.
Ensure Adequate Ventilation
High moisture combined with cold temperatures can cause condensation within a coop, potentially leading to frostbite. To prevent moisture and condensation buildup in your coop, you must ensure that your coop is well-ventilated. Besides regularly cleaning up manure to remove excess moisture, there are several ways to ventilate a coop in the winter:
- Install roof vents to allow moisture to escape.
- Cover partially opened windows with burlap to allow for air movement while keeping the coop insulated.
- Open a door or window on warmer days.
Bedding Maintenance
As we discussed, keeping moisture at bay is vital when caring for chickens in the winter. Did you know that chicken manure is made up of 70% water? Because of this, cleaning up manure buildup in your coop regularly during the cold months is essential. Remove soiled bedding and replace it with fresh, dry bedding frequently. Alternatively, the deep bedding method, which involves adding 4-6 inches of bedding to the coop and regularly stirring the top layer to allow manure to move to the bottom, can provide some natural heat as the manure decomposes.
Prepare Roosts & Small, Warm Spaces in The Coop
Roosts provide a place for chickens to sleep up off the cold floor of the coop. When perched on a roost, chickens can lay on their feet and fluff their feathers out to keep themselves warm. Ensure your coop has enough roosting space for each chicken to sleep comfortably. A good rule of thumb is to have 9 inches of roosting space per chicken.
If you have a large coop, consider creating smaller areas inside where your chickens can huddle together and conserve their body heat more easily. Something as simple as a cardboard box or plastic tote turned on their side can provide a warm area for your hens while in their coop at night.
Supplemental Heat & Light
When temperatures begin to fall below freezing (32 degrees Fahrenheit, 0 degrees Celsius), consider adding a supplemental heat source to your coop. Things like heat lamps, brooder plates, etc., can keep your flock warm on cold winter days; just be sure to only use products approved for use around livestock and always follow safety instructions. In addition to adding a heat source, adding a source of light to your coop can help encourage egg production as the days get shorter in the winter. Supplemental lighting can often be hooked up to a timer to ensure your hens receive 14 hours of light each day, starting in the morning hours before the sun rises. As the days gradually get longer, adjust your timer as needed.
Fresh Water & Food
Chickens need access to fresh water year-round, but wintertime is challenging when keeping waterers from freezing! Thankfully, there are several products available to prevent this from happening:
- Heated waterers that plug into an outlet
- Heated bases that you can place metal waterers on
- Chicken waterer deicers that can be placed inside certain styles of waterers
- Heated dishes or buckets
Get in the habit of checking your chicken’s water throughout the day to ensure it has not frozen. It’s a good idea to keep a spare waterer on hand in the winter so that if one freezes or breaks, you have another one ready to go. As for feeding chickens in the winter, they can remain on their regular diet; keep in mind that their feed intake may increase by up to 25% in the colder months, so don’t be afraid to keep their feeders full. Additionally, store feed in moisture-proof containers like a metal garbage can to prevent spoilage.
Egg Collection
Because eggs contain a high percentage of water, make sure to collect them quickly in the winter so they don’t freeze. Typically, hens will finish laying before noon. As you collect each egg, check for any cracks or hairline fractures, and discard any damaged eggs you find to prevent foodborne illness.
Frostbite
Frostbite typically affects the areas of a chicken that are not protected by feathers, like their comb, wattles, and feet. Frostbite can cause affected areas to appear black or gray and feel brittle. For minor cases of frostbite, you can remove the chicken from the rest of the flock and soak the affected area in room temperature water to slowly warm the area. Apply a layer of Vaseline or petroleum jelly to these at-risk areas in the winter to provide a layer of insulation and prevent frostbite damage. Severe cases of frostbite can lead to infection or worse, and veterinarian treatment is highly recommended.
How Will I Know if my Chickens Are Cold?
When a chicken’s body temperature drops below average (106 degrees Fahrenheit, 41 degrees Celsius), they may experience cold stress, leading to reduced egg production and, in severe cases, death. When chickens are cold, they may exhibit the following behaviors:
- Huddling together for warmth
- Holding a foot up to their breast
- Puffing out their feathers
Winter is coming, so it’s time to prepare by following our guide! Stop by your local Feeds’n Needs, where you can find all the winter essentials from heat lamps, light bulbs, heated waterers, bedding and more! Chat with our Experts today to ensure your flock thrives this winter.
For more poultry care content, check out our other blog posts!
Livestock Bedding Options
How to Care for Molting Chickens
Hens Health Throughout the Seasons
