Do chickens need heat in the winter?

Published on 9 Jan 2015

I do not give my birds supplemental heat. Instead I give them plenty of fresh water, enough feed, and a clean dry environment. Chickens metabolize the food with the help of the water and trap the heat in their feathers. With no drafts there's no way for that heat to escape and they walk around like little puffed up heat balls.

To date I have not had a chicken have injury or death due to not giving them supplemental heat. If you take proper care of your birds and give them a good environment then they will be fine.