“When it snows, you have two choices: shovel or make snow angels.”
We know that snow will surely fall soon. However, a third choice exists for backyard chicken owners: take care of your chickens. Managing a chicken coop effectively, especially in the winter, ensures healthy, productive and happy chickens.
At BioZyme®, makers of Backyard Boost® products purposefully crafted to support the well-being of birds, we care about your chickens and all animals year-round. We know that the cold and snow can bring extra challenges. Therefore, our bird-loving staff created this resource on how to manage a chicken coop with the colder temperatures in mind.
How to Manage a Chicken Coop
Keep it Roomy
Start with proper coop design. The coop should be well-ventilated and spacious. Provide at least 4 square feet per chicken indoors and 10 square feet in the outdoor run. Nesting boxes (one per three hens) and roosting bars are essential for laying and resting.
Keep it Clean
Regular cleaning is vital. Remove droppings, old bedding and leftover feed weekly to prevent odors, pests and diseases. Replace bedding with fresh, dry materials like straw or wood shavings. Deep-clean the coop every few months with water and a mild disinfectant.
Keep a Schedule
Keep a consistent feeding and watering schedule. Feed and water your girls at the same time each day. Turn them into their run and lock them up consistently, too. Provide high-quality chicken feed, clean water and occasional treats like kitchen scraps or garden greens.
Use feeders and waterers that are easy to clean and prevent spillage. Supplemental grit helps with digestion, and calcium (like crushed oyster shells) aids in egg production.
Keep Them Healthy
Monitor your flock’s health. Check for signs of illness, such as lethargy, weight loss or unusual droppings. Maintain a pest control plan to manage mites, lice and rodents. Quarantine new birds before introducing them to your flock.
Provide them with eco-friendly nutrition with Backyard Boost products.
Backyard Boost® Daily Essentials
Backyard Boost Daily Essentials is a pelleted protein supplement for poultry designed to maximize digestibility and egg production. Daily Essentials contains AO-Biotics® Amaferm®, a prebiotic research proven to enhance digestibility and AO-Biotics® EQE, a postbiotic research-proven to enhance egg quality. This protein supplement also provides nutrients needed for overall well-being.
Backyard Boost® Defense
Backyard Boost Defense is a liquid supplement for poultry designed to support digestion and healthy immune response. This green liquid also contains Amaferm. It provides nutrients needed during stress and promotes water intake and hydration.
Keep up with Mother Nature
Seasonal adjustments are necessary. Winter chicken coop preparation includes insulating the coop and ensuring the water doesn’t freeze.
In summer, provide shade and cool water. Regularly inspect the coop for repairs, like sealing gaps to ensure chicken predators can’t break in.
Get your Backyard Boost Today!
Now that you know how to manage a chicken coop, it’s time to give those girls a boost with Backyard Boost!
Ordering Backyard Boost is simple: purchase via our online store or from one of our online retail partners.
Perhaps you prefer to shop in person. You can discover where to buy from the BioZyme dealer closest to you.
Stay In the Know
Do you want to know more about taking care of your backyard birds? Use our Chicken Care Cycle as your guide to all knowledge of backyard chickens. Or you can simply sign up for our regular electronic newsletter to stay current on our blogs and other education.
