Winter is here and while your chickens are tougher than they look, a little extra attention during the colder months goes a long way. Egg production can drop, health issues can creep in and a damp, cold coop creates the perfect conditions for parasites and illness. The good news is that keeping your flock in top shape through winter doesn't have to be complicated.
Here's what to focus on.
Keep the coop dry and draught-free
Cold your chickens can handle. Damp they cannot. A wet coop is the fastest route to respiratory problems, mites and miserable hens. Make sure your coop has good ventilation without being draughty, check that the roof and walls aren't letting water in and keep bedding dry and clean. If your flock is outgrowing their current setup or you're starting fresh, our elevated plastic chicken coops are UV stabilised, easy to clean and designed to keep your girls off the cold, wet ground. The pitched and flat roof options come in multiple sizes to suit flocks of all sizes.
Browse chicken coops: https://australag.au/collections/chicken-coops
Give the nesting boxes some love
Your girls spend a lot of time in the nesting box during winter, settling in before and after laying and roosting through the cold nights. Fresh, aromatic bedding makes a real difference. Our Chicken Nesting Herbs are 450g of aromatic goodness that keep the coop smelling fresh, help deter parasites and give your hens a genuinely calming nesting environment. As one of our customers described it: "a little aromatic, mood enhancing spa for chickens." We couldn't have said it better.
Shop Chicken Nesting Herbs: https://australag.au/products/chicken-nesting-herbs-chook-coop-aromatic-refresher
Boost nutrition with high protein treats
Egg production naturally drops in winter as days get shorter and your hens put more energy into keeping warm. Supporting them with high protein treats helps maintain condition and keep production as consistent as possible. Dried mealworms are one of the best natural protein boosts you can give your flock. Scatter them on the ground to encourage natural foraging behaviour, mix them into daily feed or hand feed for some genuine bonding time. Our Chicken Treat Dried Mealworms are 100 percent dried mealworms with no fillers, rich in protein and available in 100g, 250g and 750g packs.
Shop Dried Mealworms: https://australag.au/products/dried-mealworms
Keep feed storage sorted
Winter is also a good time to get your feed storage properly sorted. Moisture, rodents and pests are a bigger problem when conditions are cold and wet. Our 200L Silo with Lid and Galvanised Stand keeps feed dry, protected and off the ground. Available in a range of colours including the very popular purple, it's practical and surprisingly good looking in the backyard. Ask us about colour options when you order.
Shop the Silo: https://australag.au/products/silo-with-lid-gal-stand
Check on health and supplements
Winter is a good time to worm your flock and check for mites and lice, which thrive in cold, damp conditions. Our poultry health range includes wormers, supplements and electrolytes to keep your girls in top condition year round.
Browse the full poultry health range: https://australag.au/collections/poultry-and-chickens
The bottom line
A happy winter flock comes down to three things: a dry warm coop, good nutrition and a bit of extra attention. Get those right and your girls will reward you with eggs, entertainment and the occasional unsolicited opinion on your gardening.
