How I Got My Hens Winter-Ready in One Afternoon (Thanks to the Modern Everyday Homestead Companion)

Oct 16

Every year, I’d tell myself I’d start winter prep early. And every year, I’d find myself knee-deep in old notes, chicken books, and too many tabs open on my laptop. Eight hens don’t sound like much—until you’re trying to remember whether you were supposed to add straw first or scrape the perches first, or what month to switch feed.

This fall, I tried something new.

I opened The Modern Everyday Homestead Companion and made one simple request:

“I have eight hens and I need to get them ready for winter. Give me a detailed plan.”

That was it. No flipping through binders or scrolling through Pinterest boards. The Companion built the entire checklist for me—step by step, referencing my own printable packs and the records I already keep for the flock.

It was specific, thorough, and completely tailored to real life on the homestead. I could have added more—my region, the size of the coop, even the breed of my hens—and it would have adjusted automatically.

Here’s the plan the Companion gave me, exactly as it appeared on my screen:

1. Coop Sanitation & Setup

(Use: Printables Pack 01 – Fall/Winter Readiness Checklists)
Deep Clean (before cold sets in):
Scrub floors, perches, and nest boxes with mild detergent.
Dust for mites/lice; replace nesting materials.
Let coop dry fully before refilling bedding.

Bedding & Litter:
Start a deep-litter system (4–6" base of pine shavings or straw).
Add dry material weekly; turn to prevent ammonia buildup.
Midwinter: check for dampness; add sweet PDZ or lime if needed.

Ventilation:
Keep top vents open (no drafts at roost height).
Block cracks near roosts with foam or burlap, not airtight plastic.

Rodent Control:
Store feed in metal bins; use the pest log sheet.
Clean spilled feed nightly and check traps weekly.

2. Warmth & Safety

Water:
Use heated bases or float heaters.
Test GFCI outlets before plugging in.
Keep cords off bedding; run through conduit if possible.

Lighting:
Optional for laying continuity: 14 hours total light/day.
Use timers and shielded bulbs; avoid cheap clamp lamps.

Heat:
Only if temps drop below -15°F or for young birds.
Safer option: insulated coop and dry litter, not a heat lamp.
Audit lamps (as in the printable) — guards, distance, and fire-safe mounts.

3. Feed & Nutrition

(Use Livestock Records Pack 02 — Egg Production Log)
Switch to a higher-protein feed (18–20%) or add black oil sunflower seeds.
Keep oyster shell and grit free-choice.
Offer warm mash (crumble + hot water) on very cold mornings.
Hang a cabbage or suet block weekly for enrichment.

4. Health Checks

(Use Health & Medication Log — Pack 02)
Inspect monthly:
Feet (frostbite, bumblefoot)
Combs/wattles (frostbite protection: thin coat of Vaseline)
Weight/condition — adjust feed if birds look thin.
Keep electrolyte powder and poultry vitamins in your winter first-aid stash.

5. Egg Management

Collect eggs 2–3× daily to prevent freezing.
Store in-room temp basket or fridge — not the coop.
Track yields on your Egg Production Log for seasonal trends.

🔧 6. Outdoor & Emergency Prep

(Reference: Winter Readiness Checklist — Pack 01)
Clear snow/ice paths to coop and run gates.
Check access to feed and grit bins weekly.
Stock at least 6 weeks’ feed (supply interruptions happen midwinter).
Keep battery lantern, fuel, and spare bedding nearby.
Add coop thermometers (low corner + roost level) to monitor drafts.

7. Quick Weekly Routine

Keeping it steady through the cold isn’t fancy work—it’s consistency. Dry, draft-free, and well-fed hens will winter just fine.

And that’s exactly what I love about the Companion: it doesn’t just hand you generic advice; it helps you live your real rhythm.

If you’ve ever wished you could ask one clear question and get a complete, practical answer that fits your homestead, try the Modern Everyday Homestead Companion. It’s like having an experienced hand beside you—without ever leaving your kitchen table.