Feeding Free-Range Chickens in Cool Weather: Ensuring Health and Vitality Through Proper Supplementation

As the days grow shorter and the temperatures drop, free-range chickens face new challenges in finding enough food. Unlike the warmer months when bugs and fresh greens are plentiful, winter presents a scarcity that requires thoughtful supplementation to maintain the health and well-being of your flock. David Frame, an extension poultry specialist at Utah State University, emphasizes the importance of helping chickens with their diet during the colder months.

Winter Feeding Challenges for Free-Range Chickens

In winter, the usual sources of nutrition for free-range chickens dwindle. Bugs disappear, and the ground, often covered in snow, offers little in terms of forage. However, chickens still enjoy scratching under a light snow to pick up seeds and nibble on remnants from the fall garden. On extremely cold, snowy days, it’s advisable to keep them in the coop to prevent exposure to harsh conditions.

Supplementing the Diet: Practical Tips

To ensure chickens remain healthy during the winter, supplementation is key. David Frame offers several practical suggestions:

1. Table Scraps and Garden Leftovers:
   • Leafy Greens: Save trimmings from salads, such as carrot peels, lettuce ends, and spinach. Scatter these in the chicken run to provide a source of greenery.
   • Squash and Pumpkins: Cut open a pumpkin or a squash and let the chickens peck at it. These vegetables are rich in vitamin A and keep the chickens entertained.
2. Alfalfa Hay:
   • Alfalfa hay is highly nutritious and can be a great addition to their diet. Hang a slice of hay in a net to encourage pecking and provide exercise. The vitamins in alfalfa contribute to overall health.
3. Cracked Corn:
   • High in carbohydrates, cracked corn serves as an excellent scratch feed. It helps chickens maintain body heat, essential for staying warm in cold weather.

Monitoring Health and Preventing Malnutrition

It’s crucial to monitor your chickens closely during winter to prevent malnutrition. Signs of poor nutrition include thinness, lameness, or symptoms of rickets, which indicate a deficiency in calcium or vitamin D. Frame underscores the importance of providing a balanced chicken feed:

“During any kind of stressed weather situation, ensure your birds have an adequate supply of balanced chicken feed,” says Frame. “This feed contains essential calcium, phosphorus, and other nutrients they need.”

Additional Tips for Winter Care

1. Warm Water Supply:
   • Ensure a constant supply of unfrozen water. Chickens need water for digestion and overall health, and heated water dispensers can prevent freezing.
2. Proper Shelter:
   • Make sure the coop is well-insulated but ventilated to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to respiratory issues.
3. Regular Checkups:
   • Regularly check your chickens for signs of frostbite, particularly on combs and wattles, and provide Vaseline as a preventive measure if necessary.

Conclusion

Feeding free-range chickens in cool weather requires a proactive approach to supplementation. By providing table scraps, garden leftovers, alfalfa hay, and cracked corn, and ensuring a steady supply of balanced chicken feed, you can help your flock thrive even in the harshest winter conditions. Regular monitoring and care are essential to prevent malnutrition and keep your chickens healthy and productive throughout the colder months.

Embrace these practices, and your free-range chickens will not only survive but flourish, maintaining their health and vitality until the warmer days return.

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Source: David Frame, Extension Poultry Specialist at Utah State University