{"id":220,"date":"2026-09-05T04:10:43","date_gmt":"2026-09-05T04:10:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/grenierroger.com\/?p=220"},"modified":"2026-09-28T18:54:10","modified_gmt":"2026-09-28T18:54:10","slug":"poules-en-hiver","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/grenierroger.com\/en_us\/poules-en-hiver\/","title":{"rendered":"Chickens in Winter: 10 Checks to Prepare the Coop for Cold Weather"},"content":{"rendered":"

Chickens in winter can adapt well to cold weather when they have a dry shelter, fresh air without a direct draft, liquid water and suitable feed. The goal is not simply to \u201ckeep the coop warm.\u201d It is more important to control moisture, block the wind and observe the birds regularly.<\/p>\n\n\n

Before the first hard freeze, walk through your setup using the following ten checks. A few adjustments made in fall can prevent many problems once snow, ice and shorter days arrive.<\/p>\n\n\n

1. Inspect the roof, walls and doors<\/h2>\n\n\n

Begin by checking the coop on a rainy or windy day. Look for water leaks, damaged boards, gaps around doors and places where drifting snow could enter. Test the hinges, latches and the small door used by the hens.<\/p>\n\n\n

Repair leaks before freezing weather begins. A cold but dry coop is easier to manage than a slightly warmer shelter where the bedding, walls and feathers remain damp. If snow can build up heavily on the roof, plan a simple way to clear it without damaging the structure.<\/p>\n\n\n

2. Stop drafts without eliminating ventilation<\/h2>\n\n\n

It is tempting to close every opening in winter. However, hens continually release moisture as they breathe, and their droppings add even more. Without fresh airflow, moisture condenses on windows and walls while ammonia odors accumulate.<\/p>\n\n\n

Seal cracks that direct cold air toward the hens, especially at roost level. Keep high ventilation openings above the birds so humid air can escape without blowing across their feathers during the night.<\/p>\n\n\n

Use a simple morning check. A strong odor, wet windows or droplets on the ceiling usually mean that you need to clean more often or improve airflow.<\/p>\n\n\n

\"Trois
High vents release moisture without directing a cold draft across the roosts.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n

3. Prepare clean, dry and abundant bedding<\/h2>\n\n\n

Remove wet patches and accumulated droppings, then add absorbent bedding. Suitable straw or shavings should remain loose and dry rather than becoming matted and damp. Pay special attention to the areas below the roosts and around the waterer.<\/p>\n\n\n

A deeper layer also helps separate the hens from the cold floor. It does not replace cleaning: whenever the bedding becomes damp or develops a strong odor, remove the soiled material and replace it with a dry layer.<\/p>\n\n\n