This year, meteorologists aren’t dreaming of a white Christmas. Much of the United States will be either experiencing prolonged dry or wet periods with a low amount of snow. Even if this winter is milder, sudden cold snaps can cause grief for poultry producers.
In normal circumstances, chickens can handle some amount of cold by huddling together and fluffing up their feathers to insulate themselves. However, exposure to rapid drops in temperature can lower their metabolism, reduce their productivity, and even threaten their survival.
Fortunately, one way chicken farmers can combat chill stress is by providing their flock with the right nutrition and organic compounds to weather the storm with resilience.
How the Right Diet Can Fight Chill Stress
In addition to needing adequate shelter and heaters, chickens require more energy during extremely cold days. Metabolizing feed generates heat, which is why the University of Minnesota says feed intake can increase by as much as 25% during the winter months.
Moreover, a balanced diet is essential to giving chickens the nutrients necessary to fight off illness, produce eggs, and grow feathers in the midst of environmental stress. Finding the right vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds can alleviate some of the stress from fluctuating temperatures. Here are some of the dietary needs that can sustain chickens through the cold:
- Iodine – Chickens need an efficient metabolism to generate energy and produce heat. As a result, they need the proper amount of iodine in their diets to maintain healthy thyroid function.
- Polysaccharides – These complex sugars can promote GI health by enhancing nutrient absorption as well as immune responses. With the increased needs for energy and added stress, GI health is essential for chickens.
Boosting Resilience with Seaweed
Chicken farmers need to balance nutrient density with cost-effectiveness, which the right seaweed supplements can achieve. Can chickens eat seaweed? Yes! Adding seaweed like Ascophyllum nodosum to your chickens’ winter care regimen can provide specific benefits that address the challenges of cold weather.
Improved Thermal Regulation – Ascophyllum nodosum contains sufficient iodine, which in the right amounts, can support optimal thyroid function.
Stress Reduction – The polysaccharides contained within brown seaweed can help to fight inflammation, diseases and stress levels that can impact their health and production.
Egg Quality and Yield – Even in winter, laying hens fed with seaweed supplements often show improved egg production and quality. This can provide a steady source of income or sustenance for poultry keepers during the off-season.
Finding the Right Mix of Seaweed in Your Feed
Caring for chickens during winter requires thoughtful strategies to mitigate the effects of cold weather. As always, consulting with a veterinarian or poultry nutritionist is necessary to determine the needs for your flock’s size and specific needs, but whatever you choose, nutrients should be a key part of your winter chicken care strategies.
Looking for more chicken winter care tips and other poultry management strategies? Discover more seaweed nutritional insights in our blog.
Â
Â
Related Articles
Can You Feed Kelp to Your Backyard Chickens? Here Are 2 Surprising Benefits
Is Seaweed the Answer to Commercial Poultry Disease Prevention?
Can Seaweed Help Fight Against Hunger and Malnutrition Worldwide?
Â
