Winter Poultry Peril: Expert Guide to Protect Chickens from Deadly Cold

• Chickens huddling or climbing indicates insufficient temperature, lighting, or nutrition, a warning sign for increased mortality.
• Maintain optimal shed temperature and use artificial lighting (halogen lamps/bulbs) at night, especially for younger chicks, to ensure they spread out.
• Seal sheds completely with thick green sheets or jute sacks to prevent direct cold air entry and reduce respiratory issues like blocked noses.
• Provide energy-rich winter diet (maize, millet, oats, high-protein feed), jaggery-mixed water, leafy greens, lukewarm water, and calcium/zinc supplements.
• Use husk as litter instead of straw; husk stays dry longer, preventing ammonia odor and health issues for chickens.

Why It Matters: Proper winter management of temperature, diet, and hygiene is crucial for poultry survival and profit.