Winter Chicken Feed Guide: Boosting Protein and Calories for the Cold

When the air turns crisp and the first frost sparkles on the coop roof, your chickens begin to burn more energy just to stay warm. Feathers fluff up, foraging slows down, and suddenly your feed bill seems to grow along with the snowdrifts. Winter brings beauty—and challenges—to the homestead, especially when it comes to keeping your flock healthy and productive. Understanding your winter chicken diet isn’t just about tossing an extra scoop of feed into the trough; it’s about balancing nutrition, energy, and natural behavior so your birds stay strong, warm, and (hopefully) laying all season long.

If you’re serious about homesteading chickens and want to make sure your flock thrives through the cold, this guide will walk you through exactly how to adjust your chicken feed for the winter months—without breaking the bank or overcomplicating things.

Why Chickens Need More Fuel in Winter

Chickens, like all living creatures, burn calories to maintain body temperature. In summer, they use that energy to lay eggs, forage, and stay active. But in winter, a large portion of their energy goes toward staying warm. Every cold gust of wind or snow-covered morning increases their caloric needs.

If those needs aren’t met, your hens may stop laying, lose weight, or even become ill. But the good news? With a thoughtful winter feeding plan, you can help your flock thrive despite the chill. A nutrient-rich, high-calorie diet is the secret to warm, content, and healthy chickens that handle the cold with ease.

Understanding the Winter Chicken Diet: What Changes and Why

A chicken’s nutritional needs shift slightly in winter. While the essential vitamins, minerals, and proteins remain the same, the ratio of these nutrients changes to prioritize warmth and energy production.

Here’s what your flock needs most during cold months:

• Extra calories for warmth – More energy from fats and carbohydrates helps chickens maintain body heat naturally.

• Increased protein – Helps feather regeneration, keeps muscles strong, and supports egg production when foraging is limited.

• Sufficient vitamins and minerals – Especially vitamin D (less sunlight), calcium, and phosphorus to maintain strong eggshells and bones.

• Hydration and digestion support – Even in winter, water is crucial. Warm water and digestive grit help your chickens absorb nutrients efficiently.

Think of your winter chicken diet as the poultry version of comfort food: hearty, energy-rich, and satisfying.

Step 1: Start with a High-Quality Layer Feed (or Grower Feed for Younger Birds)

Your flock’s base diet should always be a complete, balanced commercial feed—either layer feed for hens or grower feed for pullets. These are designed to meet all essential nutritional needs, but in winter, it’s smart to choose one with slightly higher protein content (around 18–20%) or to supplement with additional protein sources (we’ll get to those soon).

Look for brands that emphasize whole grains and natural ingredients rather than fillers. Pellet or crumble form both work fine, but pellets are easier to handle in damp or freezing conditions. Always store feed in airtight containers to prevent moisture and mold.

Step 2: Add Calorie Boosters (the Good Kind)

In cold weather, your flock will appreciate a little extra fuel. Calorie-dense foods help their bodies create warmth naturally. Here are some great chicken feed boosters to mix in moderation:

• Cracked corn – The classic winter favorite! Corn is high in carbohydrates, providing slow-burning energy. Offer it as an evening treat to help chickens generate warmth overnight.

• Black oil sunflower seeds (BOSS) – Packed with healthy fats and protein, these are a flock favorite that adds both energy and shine to feathers.

• Oats and barley – Excellent for slow-digesting energy and gentle on the digestive system.

• Scratch grains – A mix of cracked corn, wheat, and milo can be scattered for foraging fun. Think of it as both entertainment and nutrition.

Don’t overdo it, though—too many treats can throw off their nutritional balance. Treats should make up no more than 10–15% of their daily intake.

Step 3: Protein Power—The Secret to Winter Strength

When temperatures drop, chickens grow more feathers and shed damaged ones through minor molts. Feathers are made of protein, which means your flock’s protein demand rises sharply in winter. More protein also supports steady egg production and strong immune systems.

Here are some excellent high-protein additions for homesteading chickens:

• Mealworms – Dried or live, these are chicken gold. They’re pure protein and a great way to bond with your flock.

• Fish meal or fish flakes – A natural protein and omega-3 boost that can be mixed into feed.

• Cooked eggs – Yes, chickens can eat eggs (just not raw). Scrambled or boiled eggs are a great protein-packed snack.

• Peas and lentils – Cooked or dried, legumes provide plant-based protein that’s perfect for off-grid chicken keepers.

• Meat scraps or bone broth – For omnivorous flocks, these provide natural protein and minerals.

Adding protein doesn’t mean you have to overhaul their entire diet—just sprinkle in these extras a few times a week, especially during the coldest months or after a mini-molt.

Step 4: Keep Them Hydrated (Even When Everything’s Frozen)

Water is just as vital in winter as it is in summer. Chickens won’t eat much if they’re thirsty, and dry feed without enough moisture can even lead to digestion issues. Unfortunately, frozen waterers are a constant battle for homesteading chickens.

Here are some no-electricity tricks to keep water accessible:

• Use rubber bowls—you can flex them to pop ice out easily.

• Place waterers in a sunny spot or inside a draft-free coop corner.

• Add a few ping pong balls to float on top—movement helps slow freezing.

• Offer warm water twice a day, especially in the morning and evening.

You can even mix a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar into each gallon of water once or twice a week to support digestion and boost immunity.

Step 5: Warm Mash—The Winter Morning Ritual

There’s something cozy about serving your flock a warm breakfast when snow’s on the ground. A warm mash not only boosts calories but also gives them a comforting start to the day.

To make it:
Mix their regular layer feed with warm water or herbal tea (like chamomile or oregano tea for immune support). Stir until it’s porridge-like, then serve immediately. You can even sprinkle in oats, sunflower seeds, or mealworms for extra flavor and nutrition.

This warm meal encourages eating on frigid mornings and helps chickens maintain their core body temperature. Plus, they’ll absolutely love it—expect some excited clucking.

Step 6: Add Greens for Vitamins and Enrichment

In winter, fresh greens are harder to come by, and that can affect your chickens’ vitamin intake. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to keep your flock’s diet fresh and colorful even when the garden is frozen.

Try adding:

• Sprouted grains or fodder – Easy to grow indoors and packed with nutrients.

• Kale, spinach, or collard greens – High in vitamins A, C, and K.

• Pumpkin or squash – A fantastic source of fiber, vitamin A, and entertainment (chickens love pecking them apart).

• Cabbage heads – Hang one from the coop ceiling for a swinging snack that doubles as a boredom buster.

These additions keep your chickens happy, busy, and nourished during long winter days when they can’t forage outside.

Step 7: Supplements That Matter in Cold Weather

Winter can take a toll on your flock’s overall health, especially if they’re confined indoors more often. A few well-chosen supplements can go a long way in keeping them in top form:

• Grit – Essential for digestion when chickens eat less natural grit from the ground.

• Oyster shell – Keeps eggshells strong, especially when laying continues in cold weather.

• Electrolytes and probiotics – Boost immunity and gut health. Add these to water once or twice a week.

• Vitamin D – Limited sunlight in winter can lead to deficiencies, so consider a vitamin supplement or offer sun exposure whenever possible.

Step 8: Timing Their Meals for Maximum Warmth

When it’s cold, when you feed matters almost as much as what you feed. Chickens produce the most body heat while digesting, so plan their meals to take advantage of that natural furnace.

• Morning: Offer warm mash or feed early to kickstart energy.

• Afternoon: Scatter scratch grains for foraging and enrichment.

• Evening: Give cracked corn or sunflower seeds about an hour before roosting. The slow digestion will help them stay warm all night.

This feeding schedule mimics their natural rhythm and supports warmth, activity, and rest throughout the day.

Step 9: Don’t Forget the Behavioral Side of Feeding

A well-fed chicken is a happy chicken—but a stimulated chicken is a healthy one. Winter can bring boredom, which leads to pecking and bullying. Using feeding as enrichment helps keep peace in the coop.

Try scattering scratch in bedding to encourage digging, hanging treat balls, or even creating small “forage boxes” filled with leaves and hidden seeds. This keeps your flock mentally sharp, physically active, and less likely to pick on each other.

Step 10: Monitor, Adjust, and Observe

Every flock is unique. Some chickens burn energy faster, some slow down in winter, and some seem unbothered by subzero temps. The best winter chicken diet is one that fits your birds and environment.

Keep an eye on their behavior and body condition:

• Fluffed feathers are good—they’re trapping warmth.

• Pale combs or lethargy may signal nutritional imbalance.

• Dropped egg production is normal but can also indicate a protein shortage.

Make small adjustments over time and remember that consistency is key. Chickens thrive on routine, especially in the unpredictable winter season.

Homesteading Chickens Through Winter: The Big Picture

Feeding chickens in winter isn’t about spoiling them—it’s about smart, seasonal care. By providing the right balance of protein, calories, and comfort foods, you’ll help your flock not only survive but thrive through the cold months.

Your winter chicken diet should work with nature, not against it. Choose wholesome ingredients, feed with intention, and watch how your flock rewards you with vibrant feathers, steady health, and maybe even a few precious winter eggs.

So next time the snow falls and you see your hens pecking happily in the frosty air, you can smile knowing they’re warm from the inside out—thanks to your thoughtful off-grid care and a feed plan built for resilience.