It’s that time of year again—time to get my chicken coop ready for the chilly months ahead! Winterizing your coop is essential for keeping your flock warm, healthy, and cozy.
Here’s my step-by-step guide, starting with my go-to supplies:
My Winter Coop Essentials:
✅ Eaton Pet and Pasture Hemp Bedding – I use 3 bags (their new 33 lb bags are a game changer!) because the deep litter method keeps my hens warm and saves me work.
✅ Roost Refresh – This stuff smells amazing and keeps the coop fresh and clean. I sprinkle it on roosts, nesting pads—honestly, everywhere.
✅ Aspen Nesting Pads – Soft, natural, and compostable. I swap these out every few weeks, and they break down beautifully in the compost bin.
My Winterizing Process:
1️⃣ Out with the old: I remove all old bedding and give the coop a thorough wipe-down with diluted vinegar water. It’s safe, effective, and chemical-free!
2️⃣ Deep litter magic: I pile in Eaton Pet and Pasture Hemp Bedding nice and deep. Why? The deep litter method not only insulates the coop, but as the bedding breaks down, it creates natural heat for my hens—perfect for cold nights.
3️⃣ Fresh roosts: After bedding, I sprinkle Roost Refresh on the roosts and around the coop. It smells heavenly (think lavender and mint) and helps absorb moisture and odors. Pro tip: Happy chickens = happy nose!
4️⃣ Nesting pads: I place new aspen nesting pads in the boxes. These pads are great for keeping the nests clean and cozy. I love that they compost so easily—just toss them in the bin when it’s time for a swap.
5️⃣ Flat roosts for cozy feet: Last year, I upgraded my roosts to 2x4s set flat, so my hens can tuck their feet under their fluffy bodies at night. This keeps their toes warm and prevents frostbite—one of the best upgrades I’ve made for winter.
6️⃣ Wrapped runs: Finally, I wrap the covered runs with clear tarps. This blocks cold drafts and creates a greenhouse effect, warming the run and giving the girls a cozy place to hang out even on blustery days.
And that’s it for winterizing the farm coop! In another post, I’ll share my tips for keeping water unfrozen and ensuring your flock gets enough food in the winter months.
If you’re stocking up on winter supplies, don’t forget to use my discount code “bombdiggity” for 20% off your first order at Eaton Pet and Pasture. Their hemp bedding, roost refresh, and aspen pads really are the best — their premium grubs are amazing too!
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