If your chickens live in an area which tends to experience moderate to harsh winters, it is important to be mindful of how conditions which prevail during winter can affect them.
Location
A little over half of the states in the U.S. experience sub-freezing temperatures during winter. Although chickens can generally handle colder temperatures better than us humans, freezing temperatures can have a negative affect on their health and well being.
If you have lived in the same area for a couple of years or more, then you have a pretty good idea what winter conditions are like. It is important to note that your area may experience extreme or record-breaking low temperatures at any time, so be prepared in case this happens.
If you are new to the area where you are raising your chickens, do some research to determine what average and extreme low temperatures can prevail.
Breed selection
If you already have chickens, find out how well the breed(s) you have tolerate freezing cold temperatures. This will help to ensure that you are prepared to provide an environment which helps to keep them healthy and happy.
If you are just starting out and don’t have your chickens yet, you can choose chicken breeds which are known to be hardy for the conditions in your area. Be sure that you know both heat and cold extremes and choose accordingly. Having the right chicken breed for your area will help to minimize distress during summer and winter.
Freezing temperatures
One of the most common issues which chickens can experience during winter is frostbite. This can occur on the fleshy parts of the chickens such as their combs and waddles.
Frostbite is not likely to kill your chickens but can lead to infection. It is most important to prevent frostbite, but if it has already occurred be sure to treat it immediately.
Egg laying
Most chicken owners who have chickens during winter are typically keeping them for egg production. Chickens for meat production are normally butchered before winter.
Shorter daylight hours, colder temperatures and lower food intake can reduce or completely halt egg production. If it is important that your chickens continue to lay eggs during the winter, you will need to ensure that these factors are as close to optimal as possible.
Nighttime predators
Another consideration during the winter months are nighttime predators, especially if snow is covering the ground. Your chickens will be an ideal target for nighttime predators which are having difficulty locating food.
Periodically check around your chicken coop to ensure that there are no openings which would permit a predator to enter. Also ensure that your chicken coop door is securely closed to keep predators from entering and possibly destroying your entire flock in a single night.
Responsibilities
Although raising chickens is relatively simple and very rewarding, as a chicken owner it is your responsibility to ensure that the necessary precautions are taken and conditions exist which allow them to thrive during the winter months.
Helpful Automation
Wouldn’t it be nice if there was something which could help automate some of your chicken coop management tasks? There is. It’s called the Coop Tender Automatic Chicken Coop Door System.
The system is a comprehensive solution which was designed specifically to help chicken owners manage their chicken coops with the help of advanced automation technology.
The Automatic Chicken Coop Door opens in the morning and securely closes at night. The door is constructed of solid 1-inch dimensional lumber and operates with a solid steel worm / screw drive connected directly to a high-power gear motor. There isn’t a predator alive which can open the door when it is closed. One of this door’s many features is that it incorporates Freeze Protect technology which will keep the door closed during dangerously cold winter days. The door is fully programmable and allows you to adjust the Freeze Protect temperature to best accommodate the chicken breeds you have in your coop.
The Predator Motion Detection Module automatically arms when the door is closed and will alert you when potential predator motion is detected.
The Chicken Coop Accessory and Heat Control Module will automatically control light, heat and ventilation in your coop. The light will help to extend daylight for your laying hens. Heat will help ensure their comfort during cold winter days and nights.
The system connects to your WiFi network and will allow you to program, monitor and control your door and accessories from anywhere in the world with an Internet connection and browser. Even more, you will receive email and SMS alerts from your door and accessories.
Imagine sitting by the fireplace during a cold winter day, knowing that your coop door is securely closed – because you just received an SMS alert from your door. No need to put your boots and coat on to open or close your coop door.
We ask that you check us out online. Our Automatic Chicken Door is Rated #1 out of the top 10 automatic chicken doors you can by and we are the only company which offers an Internet Wi-Fi connected coop management solution.
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