DIY Winter Shelters for Chickens and Livestock

Your animals don’t get a winter break, and neither should their shelters. Keeping livestock happy and healthy in the cold is all about smart, simple solutions that won’t break the bank.

Start with insulation. Line coops and stalls with straw, hay, or foam boards to block drafts. For chickens, add extra bedding to their nesting boxes—warm eggs are happy eggs.

Ventilation is key. It’s tempting to seal everything tight, but too little airflow leads to moisture buildup and frostbite. Add small vents near the roof to let humidity escape.

Don’t forget the water supply. Invest in heated waterers or place bowls in sunny spots during the day. No one wants to deal with frozen water at dawn.

Finally, keep feed accessible and calorie-dense. Animals burn more energy staying warm, so up their rations slightly. Add cracked corn for chickens or molasses for livestock to boost energy levels.

With these simple tweaks, your animals will thrive even when winter brings its worst.

Pro Tips:

Add a windbreak around outdoor pens with hay bales or tarps.

Use solar lights in coops to encourage egg-laying.

Keep an emergency stash of feed in case of snowstorms.

Rotate animals indoors on the coldest nights if possible.