The leaves are changing, the air is crisp, and your flock is starting to notice shorter days and cooler nights. Fall is a season of transition for chickens, and it’s the perfect time to prepare your coop and routine for the months ahead. A little effort now will go a long way toward keeping your hens happy, healthy, and productive when the chill sets in.
✅ Keep Ventilation in Check
It may be tempting to seal everything up as temperatures drop, but good ventilation is more important than ever in cooler months. Make sure you have vents above the roosting bars so moisture and ammonia escape without creating drafts on your birds. Dry, fresh air means fewer respiratory issues and warmer nights.
💧 Watch the Water
Freezing nights can sneak up quickly in the fall. Chickens need constant access to fresh water, so check your waterers daily. If your region dips below freezing, invest in a heated base or de-icer now—before you’re out in the cold cracking ice with a hammer.
🪵 Add Extra Bedding
Fresh bedding does more than keep your coop clean. In fall, it creates an insulating layer against the cold floor and helps control moisture as your birds spend more time inside. A deep litter method can even generate a little natural heat while building compost for your spring garden.
🍂 Support Molting Season
Many hens molt in the fall, shedding old feathers to grow in new ones before winter. During this time, egg production may slow down, and your flock will need extra protein to support feather regrowth. Offer high-protein treats like mealworms, black soldier fly larvae, or a protein-rich feed supplement.
🌞 Adjust to Shorter Days
As daylight decreases, so does egg production. Some chicken keepers add a safe, low-wattage light on a timer in the early morning to give their hens a few extra hours of light. This can help keep egg baskets full while still allowing the flock to rest at night.
🛡️ Predator Awareness
Cooler weather means predators are hungrier and more daring. Double-check your run, fencing, and coop latches for weak spots. Fall is prime time to reinforce your coop’s security before winter sets in.
The Bottom Line
Fall is a season of preparation. By checking ventilation, securing water, freshening bedding, and supporting your flock’s unique seasonal needs, you’ll set your chickens up for a comfortable, stress-free transition into winter. A little extra attention now means healthier hens and plenty of fresh eggs—even when the weather outside is frosty.