Keeping chickens through the winter

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lovemygirls2016

lovemygirls2016

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I will be raising chickens through the winter and this will be a first for me. What do u guys recommend to feed them? How much should I feed them? Any other advice you can give me would be helpful. Thanks ladies
 
Welcome to Backyard chickens! I am actually getting ready to go through my first winter with chickens as well! I have heard that using the Deep Litter method helps keep the coop warm (more info about the deep litter method here:https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/70/deep-litter-method) I have also heard that feeding your chickens cracked corn helps generate body heat as well. I hope you enjoy Backyard chickens as much as I have and have alot of fun!
 
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I found a thread on this..it's older, but can help.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/205810/winter-feeding

I noticed that someone mentioned kale. I have some planted..will see how it grows through the winter. I also do what's called .. fodder. Will check in a min. to see if I can find a thread on that..and a photo of mine. They love it!

I also give them Calf Manna..yes..it's for chickens too. This is a great protein supplement throughout the winter, and it doesn't take much when feeding them a good feed.

Here is a youtube explaining fodder. There are others you can look at while in there.


Here are a couple of photos of some that I had just started..it grows fast!






Here is a photo of the calf manna. I will give them some once in a while in the summer, only a handful about once a week. In the winter, a handful around 3 times a week.

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Welcome to BYC! It's great to have you.

Just make sure they have a coop which is well ventilated but free of drafts. In most places is doesn't get cold enough for chickens to have any problems. Anything above 0 they don't even seem to feel! As for feed, feed the same thing you would during the summer. Layer feed (or grower feed depending on the age/sex/species in your flock) supplemented with up to 10% treats. Cracked corn is a good option for treats during the winter, since it helps them keep warm.
 

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