Tips For Varying Seasons

Summer – In Summer it is important to provide some way to cool the coops down so that the chickens don’t overheat. In drier climates in the summer time you also have to be concerned about replenishing the water supply. The excess heat can have a serious effect on a hen’s laying ability and for some can kill them.

Winter – In Winter, the main concern is freezing water in the water stations. At sub zero temperatures even water in the water tins inside the coop can become solid ice, leaving your birds with no access to water. Some poultry farmers alleviate this problem with the use of outdoor heaters in the coops or placed just underneath the watering stations.

Another concern involves the freezing winds and rain that falls. If your coop isn’t shielded from these winds and rains, you might want to consider getting some insulation to attach to the sides. Use caution though, some chickens have a taste for insulation.

Spring – In the Spring, you have to keep an extra eye out for hens that have disappeared for a couple of weeks as they might be sitting on a nest. These hens will stay on the nests, even running the risk of being found by a predator. You may see a few hens with little balls of fluff following them. Get them into a brooding area as soon as you can or you may find that some of the other hens or roosters may want to harm the little ones.

Fall – In the Fall, it is time for the weather to mellow and is a good time to prepare insulation for the coops.