Ever wonder, "Do chickens get cold in winter?" Well, I’ve been there. Over the years, I’ve learned a thing or two about keeping chickens warm when temperatures drop. From proper coop insulation to winter feeding strategies, I’ve got some tips to make sure your flock stays healthy and comfortable all season long. Plus, I’ve put together a Cold Weather Checklist for Chickens to help you prep your flock for the cold months ahead!

Winter Chores: It’s No Joke!
Chores in the winter months are no joke. Between feeding pigs, cows, and chickens, breaking ice in the water troughs, milking the cows, and processing the milk, it’s a full morning before I can even come inside and thaw out.
Don’t get me wrong, I actually love it, even when my fingers feel like popsicles and my eyelashes freeze. But taking care of animals in the winter does take extra effort—especially with chickens. Right now, we’ve got 16 hens and a handsome roo. They’re a barnyard mix of young pullets, seasoned layers, and our old fluffy Bielefelder hen, Granny, who’s 5 years old and still running the show.
Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks to keep them happy and healthy during the cold months, and I’m excited to share them with you.
Do Chickens Get Cold?
Chickens can definitely get cold, but surprisingly, they’re pretty hardy and can handle chilly temps better than you might think. Their feathers work as great insulation, and they’ll naturally huddle together for warmth.
That said, if the temps drop too low or if they’re exposed to wind and moisture, they can struggle to stay warm. Think of the geese we see migrating during extreme temperatures! Wild birds don't receive any special care and they appear completely unbothered!
Use this jump-to tool to skip right to the parts you'd like to learn more about!
Jump to:
- Winter Chores: It’s No Joke!
- Do Chickens Get Cold?
- Ideal Temperatures for Adult Chickens
- Cold-Hardy Chicken Breeds of Chickens
- How to Prepare the Coop for Winter
- Best Coop Bedding for Cold
- Deep Litter Method
- Avoid Heat Lamps!
- Feed & Water in Winter
- Growing Microgreens and Fodder for Chickens in Winter
- How to Tell if Your Chickens Are Cold
- Can Chickens Freeze to Death?
- Dehydration
- Why Does Egg Production Drop During Winter?
- Cold Weather Checklist for Chickens
- That's a Wrap!
- Related Posts
- New on the Homestead
- Comments
Ideal Temperatures for Adult Chickens
Chickens are pretty adaptable, but the ideal temperature for most breeds is between 65°F and 75°F (18°C - 24°C). They can handle cold temperatures outside this range, but when it gets too hot or too cold, they’ll need a little extra care.
- In cold weather: Chickens can handle temps as low as 20°F (-6°C) or lower, as long as they’re dry, well-fed, and in a draft-free, insulated coop. Any colder temperatures than that, though, and you’ll need some extra protection, like supplemental heat or windbreaks.
- In hot weather: When temps rise above 85°F (29°C), chickens can start to struggle. Since they don’t sweat, they need plenty of shade, fresh water, and good airflow to keep cool.
Cold-Hardy Chicken Breeds of Chickens
The best chicken breeds for cold weather are typically the ones with heavier bodies and small combs. My flock is a barnyard mix, and I love it. We’ve always kept a rooster, and if one of our hens goes broody, we let her hatch her eggs. We like to joke that our chickens are full of "hybrid vigor" since we’ve got a mix of all sorts.
If you’re adding to your flock in cold climates, cold-hardy breeds like Plymouth Rock, Brahma, Buff Orpington, and Maran are great options.
Some breeds, like Brahmas and Faverolles, even have feathered feet! Yes, even their feet can make a difference in how well they tolerate cold. In my personal (and semi-crazy chicken lady) opinion, there's nothing cuter than a feathery-legged breed! Chickens can become their own heat source, by fluffing up their feathers to trap air and use their own body heat to keep warm.
How to Prepare the Coop for Winter
Your chicken coop is your first line of defense against the cold. Ours is spacious with four nesting boxes, plenty of roosting space, and a big run. In the winter, I seal up any drafts but leave the ventilation open for airflow. Chickens breathe out a lot of moisture, and without good ventilation, frostbite can happen fast.
The top of the coop tends to be warmer than the lower level, so it's a good idea to make sure my hens roost in that area at night for maximum warmth.
In the nesting boxes, I layer aspen nesting pads, stacking them one on top of the other unless they’re soiled. It’s kind of like a deep litter method—but for cozy nesting. The fluffy pads also keep the eggs safe from breaking if they get a little frozen.
We also stack straw bales outside as windbreaks on the north side of the run. The bales are great for blocking the wind and provide extra protection from snowdrifts. They’re super insulating, too.
Best Coop Bedding for Cold
I swear by hemp bedding from Eaton Pet & Pasture, along with their aspen nesting pads. It’s hands down the best option for our chickens, and here’s why: Hemp is way more absorbent than pine shavings or straw, meaning it keeps the coop dry and warm, even in the coldest months. Plus, it’s naturally antifungal and antibacterial, so it helps keep things clean without the risk of mold or mites.
I also appreciate that hemp is grown and harvest in just a few months, versus pine trees that take years to mature before harvesting. It's the best choice for an eco-friendly coop bedding material!
Deep Litter Method
We also use the deep litter method, letting that cozy hemp bedding pile up over time. The backyard chickens scratch and shuffle it around, and the composting action generates a little extra heat—perfect for winter. And the best part? It’s one less thing to clean, since the bedding builds up naturally and stays fresh longer.
Not only is it comfy for the birds, but it’s a total win for us too! Once the bedding is completely removed, usually 3-4 times a year, I turn it into garden compost! Pine shavings, especially if they're not aged or properly composted, can be more acidic and may contain harmful phenols, which could negatively affect your soil and plants. Hemp bedding, on the other hand, is more neutral and rich in fiber, which creates a healthier, nutrient-dense compost that benefits your garden.
Avoid Heat Lamps!
One thing we don’t do? Heat lamps. I’m super cautious about using a heat lamp or anything electrical in the coop—they’re a fire hazard. Chickens are naturally insulated with all their feathers, and as long as they’ve got plenty of food and a dry, draft-free space to huddle, they’ll stay warm, even on the cold nights.
Now, baby chicks are a different matter entirely. Chicks do require heat lamps until they are fully feathered, and you can read more about that in my post How Long Do Chickens Need a Heat Lamp?
Feed & Water in Winter
Chickens need extra calories when it’s cold to stay warm. I’ll toss in some hemp seeds, sunflower seeds, scratch grains, or cracked corn into their afternoon treat mix. On extra chilly mornings, I sprinkle cayenne pepper on their feed—it doesn’t bother the chickens, but it helps warm them up from the inside.
An added benefit of feeding higher protein treats during cold winter weather is that a hen's body temperature can be naturally increased by keeping her digestive system active by frequent snacking! Did you know the warmth of their bellies could do that? Talk about a cool chicken secret!
My favorite source for organic chicken feed is Scratch & Peck Feeds , and you can save with the code NinnescahHomestead15 on your first order!
Watering in the winter can be tricky. If you don’t have heated waterers, plan to swap their water out at least twice a day to prevent it from freezing. I use shallow black rubber pans that are easy to flip over when they freeze. I also have a heated galvanized base and a metal waterer, which works great on the coldest days.
Growing Microgreens and Fodder for Chickens in Winter
Growing trays of microgreens or fodder like broccoli, arugula, radish, wheat, and oats is a great way to provide your chickens with fresh, nutritious food during the cold months. In winter, it can be tough to offer your flock enough fresh greens, especially during cold winters when outdoor foraging is limited. (pictured above)
Microgreens and fodder are easy to grow indoors, and they give your chickens an extra boost of vitamins and minerals that help keep them healthy. Not only does it improve their overall well-being, but it also adds some variety to their diet, making the cold months a little less monotonous for them.
Plus, watching your chickens happily scratch and peck at the fresh greens can be a fun way to add some extra joy to your winter homesteading routine.
How to Tell if Your Chickens Are Cold
If chickens are too cold, they’ll puff up their feathers to trap warm air and huddle together for warmth. Their combs and wattles may look pale or have a bluish tint if they’re struggling with circulation. They might be reluctant to leave the coop, too.
If you see these signs, take action quickly. Frostbite can happen, especially on combs and wattles. If it’s a prolonged cold snap, I put a dab of coconut oil or Vaseline on the combs to help protect them.
Can Chickens Freeze to Death?
Yes, chickens can freeze to death if they’re exposed to extreme cold weather without proper shelter. Hypothermia or frostbite can set in, and in severe cases, it can lead to death. That’s why taking care to prevent cold stress by keeping your coop dry, insulated, and draft-free is crucial.
If you notice a chicken that seems too cold and you're worried it might be in trouble, the first thing you should do is move them to a warm, quiet place. Gently bring the chicken inside or to a sheltered area, making sure it's away from any drafts and stressors.
A warm garage or shed works well, but be sure it’s draft-free. When warming them up, don’t try to do it too quickly—no hot water or extreme heat. Instead, let them gradually warm up by holding them close to your body or placing them in a spot that’s comfortably warm but not too hot. I usually bring the chicken into our kitchen and wrap it in a warm towel. This also keeps me from getting pooped on! Don't ask me how I know-- yuck!
Next, check for signs of frostbite on their comb, wattles, and feet. If you notice any, apply a thin layer of coconut oil or petroleum jelly to help prevent further damage.
It’s also important to provide them with fresh water and food, especially extra protein like scrambled eggs or mealworms, to help them regain strength. You'll notice that a chicken in distress often has a decreased appetite, and probably won't snack until she's feeling perkier.
Dehydration
Dehydration can make things worse, so make sure the water stays unfrozen. Once they’re warmed up a bit, keep a close eye on their behavior. If they’re still sluggish or showing signs of hypothermia, like lethargy or shivering, you may need to consult a vet for further care. Chickens are pretty resilient, but they do need the right environment to stay healthy in cold weather.
Why Does Egg Production Drop During Winter?
Egg production drops in winter because our feathered friends are sensitive to daylight hours, and shorter day length signal to their bodies that it's time to take a break. As daylight decreases, their reproductive systems slow down. Cold temperatures can also stress chickens, causing their energy to go into staying warm rather than laying eggs. While some chickens may continue to lay, most will take a winter break and start up again when the days get longer.
Cold Weather Checklist for Chickens
Here’s a quick summary of the most important things to check when prepping your flock for winter:
- ✔️ Draft-Free, Well-Ventilated Coop - Block drafts while allowing airflow.
- ✔️ Deep, Dry Bedding - Use extra straw, wood shavings, hemp, or pine pellets for insulation. Replace damp bedding regularly or if it gets wet.
- ✔️ Heated Water Source - Use heated waterers or swap out fresh water at least twice a day.
- ✔️ High-Quality Feed - Boost energy with high-protein feed.
- ✔️ Roosting Space - Provide wide roosts so chickens can cover their feet with their feathers.
- ✔️ Monitor for Illness or Frostbite - Look for pale combs, lethargy, or huddling. Apply petroleum jelly to combs and wattles to prevent frostbite.
- ✔️ Protect From Snow and Wind - Clear pathways and use windbreaks around the run to block icy gusts.
- ✔️ Extra Treats on Freezing Days - Grubs, scratch grains, scrambled eggs, or cracked corn can give them an extra energy boost.
- ✔️ Check the Coop Daily - Keep up with ventilation, water, and feed to ensure everything stays in good shape. Gather eggs often to prevent freezing.
That's a Wrap!
Preparing your flock for winter doesn’t have to be complicated. With a little planning and a bit of help, you can keep your chickens warm, healthy, and happy all season long. Just focus on keeping their coop dry and draft-free, offering plenty of food and water, and checking in on them daily. With these simple steps, your chickens will make it through the really cold weather just fine!
From raising meat birds to making fermented chicken feed, I've got you covered! If you want to see whether or not chickens can be a good tool for natural pest management, check out my post A Guide To Organic Pest Management in the Garden.
We also have raised more than 100 Cornish Cross chickens for meat in the past year and I share our experience in the post Meat Chickens: What We Learned. During the months when egg production is high, consider water glassing your eggs to make them shelf stable for up to eight months (or more!) by reading How to Preserve Eggs.
Get my Free Guide for Raising Chicks E-Book and learn everything you need to know to get started on your backyard chicken journey!
Have a cluckin' good day!
Meg
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