Winterizing the Chicken Coop & Run

December 15, 2025 in Chickens, Chickens & Animals, Faith & Family Life, Faith & Heart, Family Life, Homestead, Printables, Seasonal Living, Uncategorized, Winter Homestead

There’s something magical about winter settling over the homestead—quiet mornings, frosty fence posts, and chickens who suddenly walk like they’re wearing tiny insulated snow boots. But winter also brings new responsibilities, especially when it comes to chicken care.

This year, we discovered we had an unexpected twist on the farm:

One of our “Bahama” hens was actually a rooster!

Yep. My daughter came running inside, insisting a coyote was howling near the coop. We rushed outside—only to find our rooster proudly puffed up, shaking himself with a wobbly, off-key “mrrrr-AAWWW!” He was literally finding his voice, and honestly, aren’t we all trying to do the same thing? Aren’t we all trying to do the same?

Winter is the season of preparation, protection, and purpose. And—just like our new rooster—sometimes it’s the season where we find our voice, whether we meant to or not.

Today’s post will walk you through:

How to winterize your chicken coop & run
How to add run for more space and healthier flock dynamics
A farmhouse-style Bible study on being prepared or finding your voice in a new season

Let’s get your coop ready for the cold—and your heart ready for purpose.

How to Winterize Your Chicken Coop

Winterizing is all about achieving the perfect balance of warmth, fresh air, and protection. Chickens actually handle cold better than extreme heat, but drafts and dampness are the real enemies.

1. Check for drafts, but KEEP ventilation.

Chickens release moisture when they breathe, and it causes frostbite quickly.

Do this:

- - Stand inside the coop during daylight with the door closed—look for light beams poking through cracks. Seal those with caulk or weather-resistant foam.
  - Keep vents high on the wall so warm air rises and escapes.
  - Avoid closing the coop too tightly (bad moisture problems).

2. Add Bedding for Warmth

Deep-litter method is great for winter storage and heat retention.

How to deep-litter:

- - Add 4–6 inches of pine shavings or straw.
  - Stir weekly.
  - Add clean shavings on top as needed.
  - Remove completely in spring.

The natural composting creates gentle warmth—a cozy floor heater chickens adore.

3. Insulate—But Safely

Skip anything chickens will eat (fiberglass) or anything mold-prone.

Safe insulation ideas:

- - Foam board covered by plywood
  - Reflectix covered securely
  - Hay bales stacked outside the coop walls for wind protection

4. Protect the Water Supply

Frozen water means dehydrated chickens.

Options:

- - Heated poultry waterer
  - Heated water base
  - Rotate two metal waterers daily if electricity isn’t available

Keep water outside the coop to reduce moisture inside.

5. Add a Wind-Block in the Run

Chickens love sunshine and movement—even in winter. Give them safe outdoor time with:

- - Tarp or clear plastic zip-tied to one side of the run
  - Wind guards placed on the north and west sides
  - A covered corner with straw so they can still dust-bathe

📌 To maintain egg production throughout the colder months, add red pepper flakes to your chickens’ feed. It doesn’t hurt them, and they can’t taste the heat!

📌 We also add rosemary and oregano to their feed as well. Rosemary supports immune function, liver health, insect repellency, and improved circulation. Oregano also helps boost flock health by providing immune support and antioxidant benefits and helping fight common illnesses.

See how we added an additional coop for our little guy here.

Preparing Our Coops…and Our Hearts

As winter settles onto the homestead, we’re reminded that preparation is not just a chore—it’s a quiet act of care. Winterizing the chicken coop isn’t only about keeping our flock warm and safe; it’s about tending what God has entrusted to us with intention and love.

Every sealed draft, every fresh layer of bedding, every extension of space reminds us that stewardship is practical, but also deeply spiritual. And just like our surprise “Bahama rooster” learning to crow for the first time, winter invites each of us to pause and consider the places where God is calling us to find our voice, prepare for a new season, or step into purpose—ready or not.

Whether you’re tending chickens, caring for family, or navigating a season that feels colder than expected, remember this: Preparation is an act of faith. Growth can happen even in the quiet seasons. And God equips us for every new chapter—even the ones that start with a shaky, off-key crow!

I pray this guide helps you feel more confident and peaceful as winter approaches your homestead. And if you want to go deeper, don’t miss the coordinating Bible study and Scripture reflections linked here. May your coop stay warm, your hens stay happy, and your heart stay anchored in the One who prepares the way before you.

With love, grace, and warm mugs on cold mornings,