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Winter Protection for Hens
Hens on the whole are pretty resilient creatures, especially when it comes to the weather. As long as they’re provided with reasonable living conditions, they will happily live in temperatures below freezing. Though egg production is likely to drop, hen keepers must ensure comfortable quarters, and through raising hen house quality, you’ll also ensure that egg rate creeps back up.
Little Red has been growing well and I’m fairly sure that my initial instinct was wrong. Whilst previous cockerel chicks have grown in a more lean, upright form, Little Red is fluffing out in all the right places to become a gorgeous hen. Introduced to the other hens she is most definitely bottom of the pecking order, but she’s happy to have a scrap for the right food.
Little Red Gets in a Feeding Frenzy
At this time of year the run is getting very muddy. Being stationary, I can’t move it around like those hen coops on wheels which are ideal for scooting onto some fresh, green grass. It is essential that the mud is removed as much as possible as, in addition to being unsightly and uncomfortable, it can cause sores, infections, and foot rot. The Silkies are especially vulnerable with their feathery feet, so removing excess muddy liquid is vital. Rather than simply putting down a composite such as bark or wood chippings, first shovel off the top layer of mud to avoid material simply sinking in and disappearing. This can be used on the garden at this time of year, as it will be high in nutrients from chicken droppings and ideal for a winter manure mulch. Avoid using straw, grass clippings, or similar decomposable materials as they will simply infest and rot, worsening the problem by offering an ideal place to harbour bacteria and mould.
Meanwhile, in the hen house, ensure that all areas are draft and damp proof. As long as hens have somewhere dry to roost and shelter, they’ll be happy pecking and scampering about even in snow. Increase nesting material if individuals like to huddle in boxes, a method that Georgia and Elle almost always use every winter. If possible increase daylight time by using a timer switch to add a couple of artificial hours to the day. Even if hen houses do not have electricity, there are a range of battery operated lights on the market which can be used to give extra feeding time for your flock. And even though the temperatures may plummet, and snow may cling to the ground, a dry and draft-proof hen house will ensure happy hens even through the toughest of seasons.
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