Winter challenges when operating a mobile chicken coop

Chickens are warm-blooded animals that have a relatively constant body temperature regardless of their environment. They have the ability to thermoregulate, which enables them to be active under different thermal conditions. Thermoregulation mechanisms include the ability to obtain energy from food, the contraction and dilation of blood vessels and the presence of feathers and fatty tissue. These characteristics make it easier for hens to survive low temperatures. Nevertheless, the farmer should adapt the hens’ care to winter conditions by taking the following aspects into account.

1. Protection from extreme temperatures

In winter, it is crucial for the health of the birds to maintain an optimum temperature in the poultry house. Mobile poultry houses are more susceptible to heat loss due to their construction, which is why it is worth paying attention to what they are made of when choosing a poultry house.

For example, the walls and roof of our mobile poultry house are made of 40 mm thick PIR insulation panels.

However, just like in our houses, additional heat sources should also be available in the poultry house in very cold weather. It is therefore possible to use fans, heaters or heat lamps to create optimal conditions in the poultry house.
It is also important to monitor the temperature regularly with thermometers and automatic temperature control systems so that conditions can be controlled at all times.

2. Provide adequate light

Short winter days can have a negative impact on egg production and the general well-being of the hens, which is why it is important to choose suitable artificial lighting. It is recommended to use LED lamps that emit a light spectrum similar to natural sunlight, which is comfortable for the hens and energy efficient.
Adequate lighting supports the animals’ natural biological rhythm, which in turn has a positive effect on their health and egg production. In addition, the use of a twilight sensor, as we use in our poultry houses, makes it easier to maintain constant lighting in a mobile poultry house.

3. Humidity in the poultry house

Effective humidity management in the poultry house is the key to avoiding potential health problems among the hens. The use of ventilation systems helps to maintain fresh air while reducing excessive moisture build-up. In addition, it is worth investing in moisture meters for poultry houses to regularly monitor moisture levels.
In two-storey poultry houses, it is important to check the condition of the litter regularly and replace it frequently with dry litter – this will maintain the correct moisture level.

If humidity levels are kept stable, the risk of respiratory diseases and skin problems among hens can be minimised.

4. Protection against predators

In winter, both birds and predatory animals become even more determined in their search for food, which poses additional challenges for poultry farmers when it comes to protecting their laying hens. It is therefore very important to ensure that adequate safety measures are in place.
A solid fence around the poultry house is the first line of defence against predators, so during the winter season it should be inspected frequently and repaired if necessary – especially after heavy snowfall, which makes the fence more vulnerable to damage. In addition, the use of monitoring systems allows you to keep an eye on the area and detect possible threats early on.

5. Regular Health Checks

During the winter season, birds are more susceptible to infections. Therefore, regular health checks are crucial. The vet should carry out screening, particularly looking out for signs of respiratory disease. Regular vaccinations are also important to maintain flock health and reduce the risk of epidemics.

6. Feeding in the winter season

In winter, when hens spend less time outdoors and access to natural food sources is limited, it becomes even more important to provide healthy feed. Particular attention should be paid to nutrients such as vitamin D3 or minerals that may not be available during this period when feeding hens in winter (it is worth remembering that a lack of vitamin D can lead to the production of eggs with weak shells). When feeding hens in winter, it is therefore necessary to constantly supplement the feed and work with the veterinarian to adapt the diet to the needs of the animals in winter.

7. Changing the location of the poultry house

In extreme weather conditions such as heavy snowfall or severe frost, moving the coop to a more sheltered location can be of great benefit to the chickens. By flexibly adjusting the location of your coop, you can minimise the impact of harsh winter conditions on your chickens and provide them with better conditions. When moving a poultry house, you should make sure that the process goes smoothly to avoid stress for the chickens.

In summary, proper care of laying hens in winter is a key element in maintaining their health and welfare. Chicken farmers should consider the aspects of heat, lighting and humidity and ensure the safety of the birds from predators. Proper health care and flexibility in adapting to changing weather conditions are critical to the success of poultry farming during the winter season.