Winter can be a challenging time for laying hens. Cold winds, persistent rain, and short daylight hours all take their toll, often causing a drop in egg production or even a pause in laying. But hens are hardy creatures, and with a few sensible adjustments to their housing, feed, and routine, you can keep them comfortable and productive right through to spring. The golden rules are simple: keep them dry, keep them out of draughts, keep their water clean and unfrozen, and give them plenty of the right kind of fuel.

Keep the Coop Dry and Draught-Free

Dampness is far more dangerous to hens than cold alone. A wet hen loses body heat rapidly, and damp bedding quickly becomes a breeding ground for mould and respiratory problems. Start by checking your coop for leaks. Replace any cracked roof panels, seal gaps around doors and windows, and make sure the floor is raised or well-drained. A deep layer of dry bedding — straw, wood shavings, or hemp — will insulate the floor and absorb moisture. Never let bedding become soggy. Turn it daily and replace it entirely if it feels clammy.

Draughts at hen level are the enemy. A gentle breeze overhead is fine, but a cold jet of air blowing across the perch will chill your birds. Use draught excluders around pop holes and vents, but do not seal the coop completely. You still need airflow to remove ammonia and moisture. The trick is to create ventilation above the hens' heads, not at their level. Adjustable vents near the roof are ideal.

Ventilate Without Creating Draughts

Good ventilation is a balancing act. Without it, humidity rises, litter gets wet, and frostbite can affect combs and wattles. With too much, you lose heat and create chilling draughts. Aim for a constant, gentle exchange of air. Check for condensation on windows or walls — that is a sure sign you need more ventilation. Open high-level vents slightly, even on cold nights. If your coop has no built-in vents, you can prop open a small roof hatch or install a covered vent on the leeward side. Never block all ventilation in an attempt to keep hens warm. They produce a surprising amount of moisture simply by breathing.

Ensure a Constant Supply of Clean Water

Hens need water more than food. A laying hen drinks around 250–300 ml per day, and more in cold weather because dry feed requires moisture to digest. Frozen waterers are a common cause of winter egg drop.

• Check water at least twice daily, breaking ice and topping up with lukewarm (not hot) water.
• Use dark-coloured rubber or plastic drinkers that are less likely to crack in frost.
• Never add salt or antifreeze — these are toxic.
• Place drinkers in a sheltered spot or use a safe, purpose-made heater.
• If you have a small flock, simply bringing the drinker indoors overnight works well.
• Clean waterers every few days to prevent algae and bacteria.

Adjust Feed for Winter Warmth and Laying

In cold weather, hens burn more energy just to stay warm. They also need extra protein and calcium to keep laying. Switch from a standard layers' pellet to a higher-protein winter ration, or supplement with a handful of mixed corn in the late afternoon. Corn is a slow-release energy source that helps them maintain body heat overnight. Scatter it in the litter so they scratch and stay active. Offer free-choice oyster shell for calcium, and consider adding a little cod liver oil or poultry spice to boost condition. Never overfeed treats — too much corn can dilute the protein in their main feed. Aim for a balanced diet with constant access to layers' pellets.

Manage Bedding and Litter Carefully

Deep litter is your friend in winter. A thick layer of straw or shavings provides insulation, absorbs droppings, and gives hens something to scratch in. But it must stay dry. Remove wet patches daily, and turn the litter with a fork every few days. Avoid using hay — it moulds easily and can cause respiratory issues. If you use straw, choose barley or wheat straw, chopped small. For extra warmth, hang a few old wool sacks or hessian curtains around the coop walls, but keep them away from drinkers and vents. Some keepers add a thick layer of newspaper under the bedding for extra insulation.

Daily Checks and Small Comforts

Winter husbandry is about routine. Visit your hens at least twice a day — morning and late afternoon. Check that water is flowing, bedding is dry, and no bird is huddled alone or looking puffed up. A hen that stands fluffed up and inactive may be cold or ill. Feel their crops at night; a full crop means they have eaten enough. Provide a dust bath area under cover — dry soil or sand mixed with wood ash — so they can keep their feathers clean and parasite-free. Finally, consider a little artificial light. Hens need 14–16 hours of light to lay well. A single low-energy bulb on a timer, extending the day from 5am to 8am, can make all the difference. But never use bright light suddenly; increase it gradually. With these simple measures, your hens will reward you with fresh eggs even on the frostiest mornings.