How To Care For Free Range Chickens In The Winter. Straw provides an added benefit of insulation for example. 10122020 10122020 It may be a good idea to add supplements to your chickens water during the winter as this can help your chickens get the increased vitamins they need for their coats and feathers.
Generally speaking once temperatures are in the 20 degrees Fahrenheit range chickens wont walk out into the snow. Chickens need food and water daily. Living in Alaska we get plenty of snow ice and freezing temperatures throughout our winters.
Hens will lay eggs through spring and summer and into the fall as long as they have 12 to 14 hours of daylight.
You can use leftover vegetable stock add dried herbs to the water or ask your vet about any nutritional supplements you can add to your chickens water. You can scatter hay or straw on the ground and this will make it more palatable for them. Generally speaking once temperatures are in the 20 degrees Fahrenheit range chickens wont walk out into the snow. Feed is about 20 per 50-pound bag at my co-op but prices vary depending on your location and the quality of the feed.