As the temperatures drop and winter settles in, we prepare our chickens for the frigid Wisconsin winter. I ensure our chicken coop is properly winterized, I turn on the heated waterer, and we add various feed supplements to our hens diet. This ensures our chickens have enough calories to help them survive the cold (and dark) winter months.
Below I list out some factors to consider for supplementing feed in winter, and I wrap up by sharing how we supplement our chicken feed in the winter.
Why Chickens Need More Calories in Cold Weather
When the thermometer drops, chickens use a significant amount of energy just to stay warm. Their bodies burn calories to maintain their internal temperature, and this calorie-burning is heightened during particularly cold snaps.
We frequently have a lot of snow cover in our Midwest climate. This makes foraging more challenging as snow covers the ground, and any bugs or fresh greens that might have been available in warmer months disappear. Chickens rely more heavily on their feed during winter, so increasing caloric intake with supplements can make a big difference in keeping them healthy.
Grains like cracked corn or scratch are excellent sources of energy because they’re high in carbohydrates. Feeding these in moderation at dusk can help your chickens stay warm through the cold night.
Carbohydrates provide quick sources of energy that help chickens stay warm during the coldest nights. Cracked corn makes a great feed supplement for this reason.
Protein Is Key for Winter Health
While energy-rich grains are important, protein shouldn’t be overlooked in winter diets. Molting often coincides with colder weather, and growing new feathers requires a substantial amount of protein. Additionally, protein aids in maintaining overall health and boosting immunity during stressful conditions like extreme cold.
Supplements like mealworms, black soldier fly larvae, or high-protein feed mixes can help your flock meet their protein needs. We also add kitchen scraps such as cooked eggs or yogurt in moderation to give our birds a protein boost. In the winter months, I am more careful to save even small protein scraps for our hens.
Fats: The Winter Superfood
Fats are an often-overlooked but essential part of winter feeding. Fats provide a concentrated source of energy and help chickens maintain body heat.
We’ve found that adding small amounts of suet, sunflower seeds, or even a dollop of coconut oil to their diet gives our chickens the extra energy they need. You can also mix oats or grains with rendered fat (often called a “flock block”) for a treat that they’ll peck at all day while staying warm.
Supplements for Gut Health and Immunity
Cold weather can be stressful on chickens, which makes them more susceptible to illness. Keeping their gut healthy is one way to boost their overall immunity. Apple cider vinegar, added to their water in small amounts, is a recommended feed supplement. This helps maintain a balanced gut. Garlic is another great natural immune booster that can be given in crushed form or as a supplement.
Electrolytes and probiotics are also worth considering if your chickens seem stressed or lethargic. These help maintain hydration and support their digestive systems.
Providing Access to Fresh Water
While it’s not feed, water is just as essential as food—especially in cold weather. Dehydration can sneak up on chickens when their water freezes over. Heated waterers are a lifesaver for us during the winter months. They ensure the flock has constant access to fresh, unfrozen water, which is crucial for digesting the additional feed and supplements you provide.
Are There Risks to Over-Supplementing?
While supplements are important, it’s equally critical not to overdo it. Too many fatty or high-calorie foods can lead to obesity in chickens, which brings its own set of health problems. Balance is key: a good-quality layer feed should remain their primary food source, with supplements used to fill in the gaps.
Pay close attention to your flock’s behavior and condition. If they seem overly lethargic, are losing weight despite extra feed, or are showing signs of illness, it might be time to consult a vet or poultry expert.
How We Supplement Our Flock in Winter
We generally use a combination of the ideas presented above. We always use a high protein layer feed, but I will add some small meat scraps when available for some added protein. I supplement with a small bowl of cracked corn to provide some carbohydrates and ‘quick energy’ to help our hens stay warm. Finally, at the beginning of winter, we purchase a treat ‘block’ of various seeds for our hens to munch on for some over several weeks. These seed blocks add fat and some variety to their diet.
Parting Words: Keep Your Flock Warm, Healthy, and Happy
Supplementing your chickens’ feed in cold weather will help your hens thrive during the winter months. A combination of extra calories, protein, fats, and immune-boosting supplements can make all the difference. With the right care, your flock will come through the winter healthy, warm, and ready for the first signs of spring.
