Cold Weather Tips For Chickens - Heating & Insulating Your Coop, Lighting, Food & Water, Etc.

If you live in an area where you've got cold weather, we've got some tips for you. Our weather in Minnesota can get to -25f. We've been able to use practical tips to keep our hens happy, healthy and laying eggs throughout the winter!
#backyardchickens #chickencoop #homesteading
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Пікірлер: 89

  • @TheCowEmporium
    @TheCowEmporium2 жыл бұрын

    Spot on information, I appreciate that you made this video. It’s frustrating to know so many people don’t research about the animals they buy. I hope this info finds its way into the homes of those that need it! Take care, Annette 🌺

  • @TheOldSwedesFarm

    @TheOldSwedesFarm

    2 жыл бұрын

    I think that some people research but there are so many sources of "information" that they pick up bad tips. I also don't see a lot of sources of info for colder climates. With all your wind lately, I hope you didn't have any chickens get blown away!! Thanks for watching Annette!

  • @rhondaredeemedprodigal

    @rhondaredeemedprodigal

    2 жыл бұрын

    Exactly 💯😊

  • @TheOldSwedesFarm

    @TheOldSwedesFarm

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for watching Rhonda!

  • @rhondaredeemedprodigal

    @rhondaredeemedprodigal

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@TheOldSwedesFarm you're welcome 😁

  • @dakotakyd
    @dakotakyd Жыл бұрын

    I just found your Indoor Chicken Coop/Run Design & Construction - Built For Security & Comfort video 😂 answers my questions, Thank You for these videos 🐓🐓🐓

  • @TheOldSwedesFarm

    @TheOldSwedesFarm

    Жыл бұрын

    Glad you found it. Let us know if you have other questions or if we can help. Cheers!

  • @dakotakyd
    @dakotakyd Жыл бұрын

    Just found your videos & enjoying watching them

  • @TheOldSwedesFarm

    @TheOldSwedesFarm

    Жыл бұрын

    Glad you like them! We're just trying to pass on the things we've learned over years.

  • @MiniatureChickenChannel
    @MiniatureChickenChannel2 жыл бұрын

    Your table assistants are super cute.....big and puffy mommas lol. That golden hen says....keep the pets coming human, less talk..more petting lol. Is she a Buff Orphington? the Barred Rocks want attention too haha.

  • @TheOldSwedesFarm

    @TheOldSwedesFarm

    2 жыл бұрын

    The large puffy golden girls are Buff Orpingtons. There are a few that really like to snuggle up and be with us. Great lap chickens! Some of the Rockers love to be petted and snuggled too!

  • @countrymamamusings7701
    @countrymamamusings77012 жыл бұрын

    Hey neighbor! Funny how we’ve got no snow (but it’s coming!) We love our girls, and have been quite successful without any form of heat. Hearty girls are key. We love our fluffy butts! Absolutely love your set up! Omg, those sweaters irritate me …

  • @TheOldSwedesFarm

    @TheOldSwedesFarm

    2 жыл бұрын

    We've got snow and 40 mph winds right now! I'm hoping most people in our area know about no heat (and no sweaters!)! Thanks for watching and commenting Alicia! Merry Christmas!

  • @gardening101bybabita9
    @gardening101bybabita92 жыл бұрын

    Great tips to save chickens 👍 have a nice day 😘

  • @TheOldSwedesFarm

    @TheOldSwedesFarm

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for watching Babita!

  • @Bowadventures
    @Bowadventures2 жыл бұрын

    Very informative to raising chicken in the winter time

  • @TheOldSwedesFarm

    @TheOldSwedesFarm

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for watching and commenting!

  • @georgep9052
    @georgep90522 жыл бұрын

    Great video! That buff Orpington might be developing a clogged/pasty behind. Clean the area with warm soap and cut with scissors those dried poopy feathers.

  • @TheOldSwedesFarm

    @TheOldSwedesFarm

    2 жыл бұрын

    It's actually just a little build up on the back feathers. We watch them closely for issues. We've got a warm day coming up and will clean a couple girls. I don't want to clean them on a cold day. Wet feathers and cold weather don't mix well! Thanks for watching all the details George!!

  • @Wealthy.Africans
    @Wealthy.Africans2 жыл бұрын

    video good thanks for your watching. god bless always Thanks you

  • @TheOldSwedesFarm

    @TheOldSwedesFarm

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for watching and commenting! Cheers!

  • @rhondaredeemedprodigal
    @rhondaredeemedprodigal2 жыл бұрын

    Great video and explaining. Going to share on my community page. Beautiful chickens and I love the sounds.

  • @TheOldSwedesFarm

    @TheOldSwedesFarm

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for sharing this! We really do have some beautiful girls (and they sure can be chatty!!)! Cheers Rhonda!

  • @rhondaredeemedprodigal

    @rhondaredeemedprodigal

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@TheOldSwedesFarm makes me miss my younger farm days. When I was a girl I would feed the chickens and then hang out with them. I'd ding to them and they just gathered AROUND like they enjoyed it. I loved it 🤩🤩💞. It was so cute 🥰

  • @ConnectingwithNature
    @ConnectingwithNature2 жыл бұрын

    Invaluable tips. Thank you!👍

  • @TheOldSwedesFarm

    @TheOldSwedesFarm

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for watching and commenting! Cheers!

  • @stephansimard4448
    @stephansimard44482 жыл бұрын

    That beautiful buff orpington on the table that you keep petting... she is so cute and friendly and curious!

  • @TheOldSwedesFarm

    @TheOldSwedesFarm

    2 жыл бұрын

    She is my little helper! Always up on the table to check out what I'm doing. She is really up looking for treats!! Thanks for watching and commenting Stephan!

  • @chelseahappyhome
    @chelseahappyhome2 жыл бұрын

    Great video. We didn't insulate our coop.. Our ladies are happy and healthy.. Its cold here but not as cold as there!! -20 is REALLY cold!!

  • @TheOldSwedesFarm

    @TheOldSwedesFarm

    2 жыл бұрын

    It'll only be -20 for maybe a week (or so) this winter. It can be below zero often and below freezing most of the winter. Our girls can handle it!! Thanks for watching and commenting!

  • @carmensteuck7727

    @carmensteuck7727

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@TheOldSwedesFarm And the secret to those few -20 days of our winter? Plan to be in Hawaii at that time! ;)

  • @TheOldSwedesFarm

    @TheOldSwedesFarm

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@carmensteuck7727 Amen!! And have a great neighbor who will watch the girls!!

  • @BARBSCOUNTRYHOME999
    @BARBSCOUNTRYHOME9992 жыл бұрын

    I did my research... This will be my first winter with my chickens here in Texas! 😉

  • @TheOldSwedesFarm

    @TheOldSwedesFarm

    2 жыл бұрын

    You've got it easy (in the winter!). I don't envy what you need to do to keep them cool all summer. Cheers Barb!

  • @BARBSCOUNTRYHOME999

    @BARBSCOUNTRYHOME999

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@TheOldSwedesFarm They love Cool Watermelon! 🍉

  • @juanisgarden5356
    @juanisgarden53562 жыл бұрын

    Great information !

  • @TheOldSwedesFarm

    @TheOldSwedesFarm

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you! We appreciate you watching and commenting! We're trying to make videos that will show some of the things we've learned. Cheers!

  • @melissaorona2834
    @melissaorona2834 Жыл бұрын

    All great information, THANK YOU! We're raising our first flock outside of Chicago. We got 10 baby chicks in March this year, so this is our first winter with them (Barred Rocks, Black Australorps, & Olive Eggers). Winters here can be brutal between our sub zero temps, high winds, and multiple feet of snow at times. I've been digging all over the internet to learn about winterizing their coop, run, & water supply properly to make them as safe & comfortable as possible. This is the hands down most valuable 8:40 I've read or watched thus far. You're a gem, sir, and I am grateful for your advice. Best to you & your flock!

  • @TheOldSwedesFarm

    @TheOldSwedesFarm

    Жыл бұрын

    I know all about the Rocks and they will do great. I don't know about the other breeds. Just make sure you can cut down the winds without losing the ventilation. Ventilation is so important. The girls will be just fine outside, even in the coldest days (without heat). If you need help, or have further questions, don't hesitate to drop us a note. Congrats on getting your hens Melissa! You're gonna love them!!

  • @melissaorona2834

    @melissaorona2834

    Жыл бұрын

    @@TheOldSwedesFarm Thank you again! We already do love them. They're beyond spoiled with attention, adoration, and all the good garden foods we've been growing (we share some of pretty much everything with them). I have come to love just sitting outside with them every day. I'm going to miss doing that in the cold winter. Our Australorps are as big and fluffy as our rocks, but our olive eggers are bonier and less feathered. I'm more worried about them than the other 2 breeds. So much left to learn!

  • @TheOldSwedesFarm

    @TheOldSwedesFarm

    Жыл бұрын

    @@melissaorona2834 If you've seen any of our videos, you know we love to do the same. After the day is complete, we grab a glass of wine and have a "happy hour" as the hens are getting themselves inside. Our girls get all the scraps from the garden, and they love it! We occasionally pull out the chairs in the winter for the same! I am sure the Eggers will do fine. We use the deep litter method, and it gives off heat. Take care & enjoy the hens, Melissa! Cheers!

  • @foodruraltv
    @foodruraltv2 жыл бұрын

    Nice upload video, have a nice day, I’m new friend always like

  • @TheOldSwedesFarm

    @TheOldSwedesFarm

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for watching and liking! Cheers!

  • @JesusLovingHomesteader
    @JesusLovingHomesteader2 жыл бұрын

    New sub here and love the informative videos thank you.

  • @TheOldSwedesFarm

    @TheOldSwedesFarm

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for subscribing, watching and commenting! We appreciate you!

  • @MySliceOfHeavenoutdoors
    @MySliceOfHeavenoutdoors2 жыл бұрын

    Good information, your chickens look healthy and happy. even in the cold.

  • @TheOldSwedesFarm

    @TheOldSwedesFarm

    2 жыл бұрын

    It's not even cold yet, Joey! I'll do a video when it's -20f and show you how they do when winter really arrives! Cheers!

  • @waynepotter-uu1yv
    @waynepotter-uu1yv Жыл бұрын

    I found your information really helpful I live in Colorado and I'm new to taking care of my hens it got cold here this winter in fact we hit -31 degrees and I was wondering if I should get a heater now I know thank you it was helpful wayne

  • @TheOldSwedesFarm

    @TheOldSwedesFarm

    Жыл бұрын

    No to the heater. If you've got hens that are bred for your type of weather, they will be fine. Sounds like you've got it all figured out! Let us know if we can help you with anything else. Take care Wayne!

  • @janie2shoes537
    @janie2shoes5372 жыл бұрын

    We don't use lights in our coop, but we do use heated dog dishes for the water.

  • @TheOldSwedesFarm

    @TheOldSwedesFarm

    2 жыл бұрын

    Heated dog dishes would work too. With 53 girls, we'd have a lot of them!! Cheers Janie!

  • @Pennies_on_the_dollar
    @Pennies_on_the_dollar2 жыл бұрын

    I truly don't know anything about chickens, but in this 8 min video I sure did learn things I never would have thought to be true!! Amazing explanation and reasoning my friend, truly enjoyed that learning!! Cheers Mr Rich 🍻

  • @TheOldSwedesFarm

    @TheOldSwedesFarm

    2 жыл бұрын

    Nelson - That's the fun thing about all the KZread channels. I'm constantly learning by watching your channel, and others. Cheers!

  • @Pennies_on_the_dollar

    @Pennies_on_the_dollar

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@TheOldSwedesFarm Amen Mr Rich!! Exactly!! Cheers my friend !!🍻

  • @beesandseeds
    @beesandseeds2 жыл бұрын

    Great video! Living in a mild climate, I had no idea chickens could live in your climate without heat.

  • @TheOldSwedesFarm

    @TheOldSwedesFarm

    2 жыл бұрын

    They can handle a lot. It's harder on them in the heat versus the cold. Cheers!

  • @YogiHollowFarm
    @YogiHollowFarm2 жыл бұрын

    Great tips. I agree. I have a friend who reminds me all the time not to “baby” my chickens as they are hearty creatures. We use hay in the run but nowhere else…if they want to free range they have the option and if they don’t they don’t. Usually because of snow! We have only used bag balm in extreme conditions….last year during the polar vortex we used it sparingly otherwise no. We also leave the coop open most calm nights…secure in the coop and run so why not. We do close it with colder weather so they draw heat from each other. We do timer lights also…more for water access. Meaning they would be without water for too many hours overnight…during shorter days so I stop it at 8:30pm and then they are done in the coop and secure. But with shorter days I don’t get out there until 7:00am or so. Hope that makes sense. Ours laid all last year like none other. Cheers!

  • @TheOldSwedesFarm

    @TheOldSwedesFarm

    2 жыл бұрын

    I think we're in agreement on taking care of our girls. With some treats and a little light, the hens do really well all winter! Thanks for watching and commenting Lisa!

  • @MorrisPatchofHeavenhomestead
    @MorrisPatchofHeavenhomestead2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for this great information, appreciate you sharing. Absolutely love your chicken set up. Christmas Blessings friends

  • @TheOldSwedesFarm

    @TheOldSwedesFarm

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for watching Joyce! We're blessed with a great building and we've been able to create a nice home for our girls. Cheers from cold Minnesota!

  • @viewandsoundsofnature
    @viewandsoundsofnature2 жыл бұрын

    Very informative video thanks for sharing ! ( fan and sub)

  • @TheOldSwedesFarm

    @TheOldSwedesFarm

    2 жыл бұрын

    We're trying to share our knowledge. We've learned a lot since we started the farm. I'm hoping that our learning curve will help others not make similar mistakes! Thanks for watching and commenting!

  • @CookBrookCountryLife
    @CookBrookCountryLife2 жыл бұрын

    Good advice! Beautiful barn. I would love to house my chickens in a spacious barn like this; a coop definitely puts a limit on the number. When our chickens saw snow for the first time, they stayed in the run the whole day. The next day, they ventured outside, and generally I find they will leave their shelter to forage in almost any kind of weather, rather than just eat an easy meal in the run. We learned a lot from our first winter. This winter we have the west side of the run covered with contractor's plastic, as last winter the snow would blow in and cover food and everything.

  • @TheOldSwedesFarm

    @TheOldSwedesFarm

    2 жыл бұрын

    There is definitely a learning curve with winter weather. We learned a lot and the girls learned a lot about winter. Our girls don't like walking on snow but will walk outside if there is a little stray on the snow. Using the pole barn this year gives them the wind protection. They don't mind the cold as long as they are out of the wind. Thanks for watching and adding your comments!

  • @lidiastremciuc376
    @lidiastremciuc376 Жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the information

  • @TheOldSwedesFarm

    @TheOldSwedesFarm

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks for watching!

  • @decorativebirdsbaku
    @decorativebirdsbaku2 жыл бұрын

    ❤️❤️❤️❤️

  • @TheOldSwedesFarm

    @TheOldSwedesFarm

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you!

  • @Thomasfarmstn
    @Thomasfarmstn2 жыл бұрын

    I’m afraid the chickens around here are bred for fighting. Other than that we have the Corp barns.

  • @TheOldSwedesFarm

    @TheOldSwedesFarm

    2 жыл бұрын

    We've got a couple girls who like to fight but probably not bred for the fighting you're talking about. No Corporate barns around here! Cheers!

  • @jennifercongdon4583
    @jennifercongdon4583 Жыл бұрын

    I appreciate your informative video. ..am wondering if the chickens are housed in the "coop" at night or are they loose in the big barn? Thank you.

  • @TheOldSwedesFarm

    @TheOldSwedesFarm

    Жыл бұрын

    All the hens (60) live in the barn now. During most days, the barn door is open and the hens can come & go. At night they stay in the barn and roost on the two large roosts, and some sleep on the large table. Hope this answered your question.

  • @Wealthy.Africans
    @Wealthy.Africans2 жыл бұрын

    🐓🐔

  • @TheOldSwedesFarm

    @TheOldSwedesFarm

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you!

  • @dakotakyd
    @dakotakyd Жыл бұрын

    Are your waterers electric? Or do you set the waterer on a heating pad? We live in North Dakota & wondering about your heated waterers ❤

  • @TheOldSwedesFarm

    @TheOldSwedesFarm

    Жыл бұрын

    The red base of the waterer is a heating element. They are plugged in to keep the heaters going all winter. Hope this helps.

  • @richardcrossen9480
    @richardcrossen94808 ай бұрын

    What are your nesting boxes called? 🇨🇦👴🏻

  • @TheOldSwedesFarm

    @TheOldSwedesFarm

    8 ай бұрын

    You can check out a full review by looking for our video - "Product Review: Farm Innovators Model 3800 Plastic Nesting Box." There is also a link to Amazon: amzn.to/40mIgCW These are amazing!

  • @dakotakyd
    @dakotakyd Жыл бұрын

    Do you put your hens inside the enclosure at night, we have a pole barn & am concerned about a weasel or other predator sneaking in under the doors

  • @TheOldSwedesFarm

    @TheOldSwedesFarm

    Жыл бұрын

    The hens go into the pole barn every night. If you see another video that shows the outside of the pole barn, you'll see that I've built a U-shaped trough that sits on the ground and the barn door rides inside it. Predators cannot get under the door then. I think I've got the pole barn bullet proof. In three years, we've never had a predator get in (I'm jinxed now!). If you've got other questions, let us know. Cheers!

  • @TheOldSwedesFarm

    @TheOldSwedesFarm

    Жыл бұрын

    I just noticed that the trough is shown at around the 6:30 & 7:30 marks in this video. Let me know if you've got further questions.

  • @raykratz8643
    @raykratz864311 ай бұрын

    What is the floor of your barn? Under the hay

  • @TheOldSwedesFarm

    @TheOldSwedesFarm

    11 ай бұрын

    It is just a dirt and gravel floor.

  • @raykratz8643

    @raykratz8643

    11 ай бұрын

    Thank you. We are building a pole barn for our chickens and was looking for cost effective flooring ideas

  • @raykratz8643

    @raykratz8643

    11 ай бұрын

    One more question. How do you clean it out? Thank you

  • @lidiastremciuc376
    @lidiastremciuc376 Жыл бұрын

    Can you give me the answer i jus got chicken's and want to know what to give them during summer

  • @TheOldSwedesFarm

    @TheOldSwedesFarm

    Жыл бұрын

    Let me know if my answer made sense. Thanks!

  • @lidiastremciuc376
    @lidiastremciuc376 Жыл бұрын

    What food you give them in the summer

  • @TheOldSwedesFarm

    @TheOldSwedesFarm

    Жыл бұрын

    Year 'round we feed our hens (of laying age) a Purina Layer Crumbles. We buy it in 50 lb bags. They get this all year. The chicks get a starter feed. Hope this makes sense. Same feed year 'round. Cheers Lidia!