Keeping Chickens Happy in all Climates☀️❄️
We were recently sent this photo by a customer in sunny Australia using our Elite Chicken Coop Door Openers and although it made us incredibly jealous while we're in the midst of a snowy and rainy British winter, it got us thinking...
What can be done to keep chickens comfortable, no matter the weather?
HOT WEATHER
WATER
Just as we tend towards choosing a nice iced drink when the sun is out, why not do the same for your chickens? Instead of filling up large water drinkers, try using multiple smaller drinkers which are easier to refill with fresh water throughout the day with a handful of ice cubes, and be sure to keep them in the shade. We're sure they'll thank you for it 🧊
FOOD
If you occasionally treat your chickens with fresh or leftover food from your kitchens, like fruit and vegetables, why not freeze that too and call it a deconstructed smoothie as a treat🍌
HOUSING
It's really important in warm weather that chicken coops are well ventilated, and that you only use a thin layer of bedding inside - lots of bedding might insulate the coop and therefore keep it warmer than it needs to be ☀️
NOT SO HOT WEATHER
WATER
If the temperature is around or below freezing, it's likely that any water left out overnight will freeze. As much as ice is appreciated in the Summer, it's less helpful when it means it's impossible to drink anything at all. Try taking in any drinkers overnight to prevent them from freezing at all 🤞🏻
FOOD
Feeding your hens extra food in the afternoon is a sure fire way to get their digestive system moving, which will keep them warm as night draws in 🌑
HOUSING
Make sure that all of the windows or gaps which handily ventilate your coop during the summer are closed or covered, and insulate your coops with thick layers of bedding under foot. For extra insulation, try covering your coops with cardboard or an old blanket. Every little helps when it's chilly outside 🥶
FOR HUMANS
Don't fancy going out in the cold, or hoping to stay where the air con can reach you for as long as possible? Check out our range of Automatic Chicken Coop Door Openers which open and close your chicken coops so you don't have to.
REMEMBER
In the UK, the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone housing measures are still in place indefinitely - follow this link for updates: UK Gov AIPZ
Today's fun fact: On average, chickens tend to live to be 5-8 years of age.
Date: 03.02.21
Stay safe & happy clucking.
Team Titan