Fall Chicken Care: Preparing for Winter and Welcoming New Additions
Author: LynnLee Coops Team
Fall is one of the most important—and underrated—seasons in chicken keeping. As the weather cools, your flock begins to shift out of summer routines and prepare for shorter days, colder nights, and, in some cases, new flock members.
Whether you're prepping your coop for winter or introducing chicks to your existing flock, fall is a season of transition. Here’s what to focus on:
🍁 Seasonal Changes You’ll Notice in Your Flock
As the days shorten and temperatures drop, you may notice:
Molting: Adult hens shed and regrow feathers, often looking patchy or ragged for a few weeks. This is natural and can reduce egg production.
Less Egg Laying: Decreased daylight means less stimulation for laying. Some breeds stop altogether without supplemental light.
Increased Appetite: Chickens eat more to bulk up for winter—so make sure food and clean water are always available.
❄️ Prepping Your Coop for Colder Weather
Now’s the time to winterize your coop before the first freeze hits:
✅ Deep Clean: Remove old bedding, scrub surfaces, and disinfect. Start the season fresh.
✅ Check Ventilation: You want air circulation without drafts. Moisture = frostbite risk.
✅ Inspect the Coop: Look for cracks, leaks, or gaps. Re-seal or repair as needed.
✅ Stock Up on Supplies: Grab extra feed, bedding, and any gear like heated waterers or coop-safe lighting.
✅ Consider Lighting: For consistent winter egg production, consider adding a solar or timed light source to mimic natural daylight.
All LynnLee Coops are designed with proper airflow and insulation-ready materials to help simplify this transition.
🐣 Adding New Chicks in the Fall—Is It a Good Idea?
Surprisingly, fall is a great time to integrate chicks or new pullets into your flock. Cooler weather means fewer heat stress issues and less disease risk than summer.
Tips for a Smooth Integration:
Wait until new chicks are at least 8–10 weeks old. They should be feathered out and ready to handle cooler nights.
Use a slow introduction process. Keep new birds in a separate, visible area for a week or two before mixing them in.
Watch for pecking order disputes. Offer distractions like hanging cabbages or extra feeding stations to reduce aggression.
Our coops with divided spaces, like the Double Walk-In, are ideal for temporary separation during integration.
🧡 Fall Flock Favorites
This time of year, your chickens will love:
Pumpkin or squash scraps (great for gut health!)
Scratch grains before roosting to help generate body heat
Extra bedding for cozy nesting and roosting areas
Fall is a time of preparation, reflection, and growth. With the right care, your flock will stay healthy, your coop will stay strong, and your winter season will be stress-free.
Have questions about your coop setup or winter upgrades? Reach out—we’re always happy to help you keep your chickens comfortable, no matter the season.
