Raising Layers in the Winter in Minnesota

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Raising Layers in the Winter in Minnesota

I am seriously thinking of buying your book :) building a tractor and raising my own layers. My biggest concern is keeping chickens through the harsh Minnesota winters. I've seen that one is supposed to be able to winter them in a tractor but my greatest question is how do I keep the chickens from getting bored in the confined space over the long winter months? (I am a grandma with no children around to help.)

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Raising Layers in the Winter in Minnesota

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Chicken Tractors in Winter
by: Sue Merriam

The greatest concern I always hear about keeping chickens in a chicken tractor is how they fare during the winter months.

Actually, they do quite well. Chickens - as with all birds - have a layer of fat under their skin, then a layer of down and then their regular feathers. As a result, they actually do better during the winter months than they do during the summer.

I've kept my hens in tractors for quite awhile now, and they have been content there. The secret is to move the tractor on a daily basis so they have a regular change of scenery.

You don't have to move them far, just a few feet will do.

Since you live in Minnesota, you will also need to cover your tractor at night with a blank or other type of insulation to protect your hens from the cold wind.

During the daytime, your hens will do just fine and won't need the blanket.

If the temperature gets below zero at night, you may also want to run an extension cord and keep a light bulb in your tractor.

Otherwise, your hens will do just fine.

Actually, they do quite well. Chickens - as with all birds - have a layer of fat under their skin, then a layer of down and then their regular feathers. As a result, they actually do better during the winter months than they do during the summer.

You can learn more about winter chicken care by clicking here.

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Submitted by: Sue Merriam

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The greatest concern I always hear about keeping chickens in a chicken tractor is how they fare during the winter months. Actually, they do quite well. Chickens - as with all birds - have a layer of fat under their skin, then a layer of down and then their regular feathers. As a result, they actually do better during the winter months than they do during the summer. I've kept my hens in tractors for quite awhile now, and they have been content there. The secret is to move the tractor on a daily basis so they have a regular change of scenery. You don't have to move them far, just a few feet will do. Since you live in Minnesota, you will also need to cover your tractor at night with a blank or other type of insulation to protect your hens from the cold wind. During the daytime, your hens will do just fine and won't need the blanket. If the temperature gets below zero at night, you may also want to run an extension cord and keep a light bulb in your tractor. Otherwise, your hens will do just fine. Actually, they do quite well. Chickens - as with all birds - have a layer of fat under their skin, then a layer of down and then their regular feathers. As a result, they actually do better during the winter months than they do during the summer. You can learn more about winter chicken care by <a href="http://www.organic-gardening-and-homesteading.com/winter_chicken_care.html"target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

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Build Your Own Chicken Tractor!

You Can Build a Chicken Tractor Provides you with step-by-step instructions on how to build a chicken tractor and also provides helpful information on how to get free wood and how your chickens can pay for themselves.

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