7 Winter Storm Supplies I Rely On for My Chickens
- Samantha Harper
- Jan 27
- 3 min read
This week we’re in the middle of a winter storm with snow, wind, and sustained cold temperatures. When weather like this moves in, my focus narrows to a few simple priorities: keeping my chickens dry, blocking wind, and making daily chores manageable.
I don’t try to reinvent the wheel during extreme weather. Over time, I’ve narrowed things down to a short list of supplies I keep on hand every winter — items that consistently make a difference when conditions are less than ideal. These are the winter storm supplies for chickens that I rely on when snow, wind, and freezing temperatures move in.
6' Privacy Screen Fence
This has been a game changer for blocking the north wind. Secured to panels, it blocks drafts top to bottom, sheds rain, and can be left up year-round.
Hay Bales
When the white stuff falls and chickens refuse to venture out to their feeders and waterers, hay saves the day. A small square bale works for a few birds; if you have a larger flock, a grass round bale placed near the pens is worth the investment.
Beyond bedding for coops and nest boxes, the real magic is using hay to create clear paths to the two priorities: food and water. Lay it down, and they’ll follow.
Higher-Quality, Full Feed
Just like we stock up ahead of a storm, chickens go through feed faster in cold weather. Make sure you have extra on hand so you’re not scrambling once conditions worsen.
This isn’t the time to skimp. A higher-quality, full feed helps support their energy needs and gives them what they need to handle the added stress of winter weather.
Large Plastic Mixing Tubs
For a small flock, gallon waterers can work just fine. But when you have a lot of birds, hauling a stack of frozen gallon waterers in and out of the house during a storm gets old fast.
I use low-profile, roughly 7-gallon plastic mixing tubs from places like Lowe’s or Tractor Supply for bulk water in below-freezing temperatures. I keep them about half full before the cold sets in, then tip one edge slightly and pour hot water into the low corner so birds can drink without the entire tub freezing solid.
A Container to Carry the Hot Water
Make sure whatever you use has a handle. This might be a sturdy plastic pitcher, a calf bottle, or five-gallon buckets — which is what I use.
I carry out about 20 gallons of hot water each morning during hard freezes. With multiple breed pens, I pour roughly two quarts into each pen to thaw water and give birds something fresh to drink at the same time. A Pyrex measuring cup makes it easy to scoop and pour from the buckets.
Long Handled Push Broom and /or Snow Shovel
A long-handled push broom is a must for clearing snow off the tops of pens. It removes snow without damaging netting or roof material and lets the weight slide off easily.
It also doubles for pushing or pulling snow when making paths in the pens to lay hay down. A snow shovel can help in some situations, but a good broom gets the job done without causing damage.
Oregano Essential Oil
Oregano is a helpful herb to keep on hand for its supportive health benefits. I add just a few drops to five-gallon buckets of water during periods of stress.
It can be a useful stabilizer when birds are dealing with challenging conditions, whether that’s below-freezing temperatures or extreme heat. Like everything else, it works best as part of good overall management.
Winter storms don’t require complicated setups. Blocking wind, keeping things dry, and maintaining access to feed and water go a long way in helping chickens ride out harsh weather.
A little preparation before the storm hits makes the days during it far more manageable — and keeps everyone, chickens included, a little less grumpy.
If you’d like, I put together a short email with links to the supplies mentioned here so they’re easy to find when you need them.
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