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Chicken Winter Care Checklist (UK): Keeping Hens Healthy, Fed and Laying
Quick checklist (save this)
If you only do a few things during cold snaps, do these first:
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Check water is available all day (not frozen, not slushy) with the right poultry feeders and drinkers
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Top up layers feed and reduce waste/spillage with a reliable chicken feed routine
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Keep the coop dry, ventilated and draught-free
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Add clean, deep bedding and keep it dry with suitable poultry bedding
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Do a quick weekly health check (parasites, breathing, feet)
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Store feed securely to reduce losses and unwanted visitors using practical farmyard feeding equipment
Feeding hens in winter
Hens use more energy keeping warm, and they often spend more time in the coop or run rather than roaming and foraging. That usually means:
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They may eat a bit more
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They may lay less (totally normal)
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Feed waste can increase if the ground is wet or feeders get knocked over
If you’re topping up for winter, start with a good-quality layers feed and adjust from there: chicken feed.
How much feed per hen per day (simple ranges)
As a realistic rule of thumb for most backyard flocks:
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Layers pellets/mash: roughly 100–150g per hen per day
It varies with breed, size, free-ranging, temperature, and whether they’re getting treats. The best “calculator” is your own routine: if feeders are empty early every day, increase slightly; if there’s lots left over, reduce.
Treats and scratch: what’s OK and what to avoid
Treats are fine — but in winter it’s easy to overdo them.
What’s usually OK (in sensible amounts):
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A small amount of mixed corn/scratch as an evening “top-up”
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Greens and veg (think leafy bits, not huge piles)
What to be cautious with:
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Too many treats replacing balanced layers feed
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Large amounts of bread/pasta/rice (fills them up without helping much nutritionally)
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Anything mouldy, salty, or spoiled
If egg production is your goal, keep treats as a small extra — not the main event.
If you want grit/scratch options in one place, this collection is handy: poultry grit and scratch.
Water in freezing weather
Water is the one that catches people out. Hens can’t drink if the surface is iced over, and they may not bother with water that’s near-freezing.
Keeping water available all day
Practical, low-fuss options:
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Use two drinkers and rotate (one in use, one ready to swap)
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Offer smaller volumes more often (fresh water beats a big frozen block)
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Put drinkers in a sheltered spot (out of wind and rain)
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Keep drinkers off the ground (reduces mud, bedding, and freezing from cold slabs)
If you’re updating your winter setup, browse poultry drinkers and feeders.
Coop setup: warm but well-ventilated
A good winter coop is dry and ventilated, not sealed up.
Ventilation vs draughts (simple explanation)
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Ventilation removes moisture and ammonia (which helps prevent respiratory issues).
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Draughts are cold air blowing directly onto birds at perch height.
Aim for airflow above head height, with no direct wind hitting the roost.
Bedding options for winter (pros/cons)
The “best” bedding is the one you can keep clean and dry.
Common options:
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Dust-extracted wood shavings: absorbent and popular; change regularly
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Straw: warm and cosy, but can get damp/mouldy if not managed
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Hemp bedding: very absorbent and low-dust (often great for winter)
Explore poultry bedding.
If you also keep other animals on the holding, you may prefer farmyard animal bedding.
Whatever you choose, the key is removing wet patches and keeping the coop dry.
Health checks to do weekly
A quick weekly once-over catches most winter problems early.
Check:
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Weight/condition (is anyone dropping weight?)
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Feet and legs (mud, scaly leg issues, soreness)
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Breathing (wheezing, sneezing, nasal discharge)
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Skin/feathers (parasites, feather loss)
Red mite and lice basics
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Red mite and lice can still be an issue in winter, especially in coops with lots of cracks and perches.
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Look for irritation, feather damage, and birds that seem unsettled at night.
If you suspect parasites, use a poultry-safe treatment and follow label instructions. If you’re unsure, speak to a vet.
Signs of respiratory issues (when to seek vet advice)
Winter damp and poor ventilation can trigger problems.
Get advice if you notice:
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Persistent sneezing/wheezing
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Wet eyes or nasal discharge
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Lethargy, reduced appetite
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Several birds affected at once
Why hens stop laying in winter (and what you can realistically do)
It’s normal for laying to slow down because:
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Daylight hours drop
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Birds may put energy into keeping warm and moulting
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Stress (cold snaps, changes in routine) can affect production
What helps, realistically:
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Keep feed consistent (good-quality layers feed)
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Keep water available all day
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Reduce stress (dry coop, stable routine)
What I don’t recommend as a default: heat lamps. They can be a fire risk in coops. If you do use any heat source, it needs to be purpose-built, securely fitted, and checked frequently.
FAQs
Do chickens need heat in winter in the UK?
Usually not, as long as the coop is dry, draught-free, and well-ventilated. Heat lamps can increase fire risk, so they’re not a default recommendation.
Why have my hens stopped laying in winter?
Shorter days, cold weather, moulting, and stress can all reduce laying. Focus on water access, consistent layers feed, and a dry, comfortable coop.
What’s the best bedding for a chicken coop in winter?
The best bedding is what you can keep clean and dry. Dust-extracted shavings, hemp bedding, and straw can all work depending on your setup.
How often should I clean the coop in winter?
Spot-clean wet patches frequently and do a deeper clean as needed. In winter, keeping bedding dry matters more than sticking to a rigid schedule.
Can chickens get frostbite?
Yes, especially on combs and wattles during very cold, damp conditions. Good ventilation (to reduce damp) and a dry coop help.
What should I feed chickens in winter?
A good-quality layers feed should be the main diet, with treats kept as a small extra.
Is it OK to give chickens kitchen scraps?
Some scraps are fine in moderation, but avoid salty, mouldy, or spoiled food. Don’t let scraps replace balanced layers feed.
How do I stop water freezing for chickens?
Use sheltered placement, smaller volumes refreshed more often, and rotate drinkers so there’s always unfrozen water available.
Should I shut chickens in earlier in winter?
Shut them in at dusk for safety, but ensure ventilation remains good and the coop doesn’t become damp.
How do I keep rats away from chicken feed?
Store feed in sealed containers, reduce spillage, and don’t leave feed out overnight.