Polytunnels - Not Just for Your Tomatoes,
but Also...Chickens?
The benefits of keeping your chickens in a polytunnel
Polytunnels keep on amazing us with their versatility. Designed to enhance growth and protect crops, over the years they’ve also found use as a seed nursery, tool storage and even a way to enjoy some fresh air during the winter deluge. Recently we’re being told by our customers that they came up with yet another ingenious idea – after the last harvest and autumn tidying-up, their polytunnel becomes a winter paradise for their chickens!
That idea frankly fascinated us, and so we decided to do some research on this topic. Turns out that keeping chickens in polytunnels during cold weather can be a great way to maintain their health and productivity. Polytunnels have a number of benefits for chickens, such as: providing protection from the elements, increased access to natural light & the ability to regulate temperature.
Below we will examine in a bit more depth the benefits and challenges of keeping chickens in polytunnels during cold weather, and provide tips for maintaining a healthy and productive flock.
Benefits
One of the primary benefits of keeping chickens in polytunnels during cold weather is protection from the elements. Polytunnels are designed to provide shelter from wind, rain and snow, which can help prevent hypothermia and other cold-related health issues in chickens. Additionally, polytunnels provide a more stable temperature environment than outdoor coops, which can help regulate body temperature and prevent stress-related illnesses.
Another benefit of keeping chickens in polytunnels during cold weather is increased access to natural light. Polytunnels allow chickens to access natural light throughout the day, which is important for their overall health and wellbeing. Exposure to natural light can help to regulate circadian rhythms, improve immune function and increase egg production.
With a bit of planning ahead of winter, you may even be able to sow some grass or robust leafy vegetables to provide your chickens with an indoors winter buffet.
Challenges
However, there are also some challenges associated with keeping chickens in polytunnels during winter months. One of the biggest challenges is maintaining a consistent temperature and humidity level. If the temperature inside the polytunnel fluctuates too much, it can lead to stress-related illnesses and decreased egg production. Additionally, high humidity levels can lead to respiratory issues in chickens, which can be exacerbated by cold weather and potential microorganisms surviving inside the mild polytunnel climate.
Precautions
To maintain a healthy and productive flock in a polytunnel, it’s important to take certain precautions. First, ensure that the polytunnel is well-insulated and sealed to prevent drafts and leaks. Use a portable, animal-safe heater or other temperature-regulating device to maintain a consistent temperature, and monitor humidity levels using a hygrometer. Additionally, provide plenty of ventilation to prevent moisture build-up and decrease the risk of respiratory issues. Make sure to change the straw frequently.
Diet
In addition to these precautions, it is also important to provide your chickens with a healthy diet and plenty of water. During cold weather, chickens may require additional calories to maintain their body temperature, so provide plenty of high-quality feed. Additionally, ensure that water sources are not frozen, and provide warm water to help prevent dehydration.
In conclusion, keeping chickens in polytunnels during cold weather can be a great way to maintain their health and productivity. Polytunnels provide protection from the elements, increased access to natural light, and the ability to regulate temperature and humidity levels. However, it is important to take certain precautions to maintain a healthy and productive flock. This way both you and your flock can weather the winter months and enjoy the beginning of spring with joy & zest!
Check out our top 3 recommendations for winter-ready polytunnels!
Super Pro Heavy Duty Polytunnel
6 x 3.5 x 1.95m
- “High Eaves” straight wall design
- Stand-up working space across the entire tunnel width
- Superior walk-in space & extra cultivating area
- High quality & durable materials
- Dual-zippered
- UV protected
- Cross-woven rip-stop PE cover
- Ground skirt to anchor & weight down the polytunnel
- Speedy construction with easy to read assembly guide
- 600 x 350 x 195cm (19.6 x 11.4 x 6.3 ft)
- 32mm thick galvanised frame
- 200cm wide hinged metal framed door
Polytunnel Pro Galvanised
6 x 3 x 2m
- 600 x 300 x 200cm / 19.6 x 9.8 x 6.5 ft
- Door size: 89 x 192cm / 35 x 75.5 inches
- 25mm thick, fully galvanised, non-rust frame
- Extremely strong and durable
- 6-section frame design
- Full ground bars
- Diagonal storm-bracing bars
- Two longitudinal roof bars
- One large roll-up window on the wide
- Integral fly net
- UV open, giving natural UV levels
- Speedy construction with an easy to read assembly guide
Polytunnel Pro Galvanised
4 x 2 x 2m
- 4 x 2 x 2m / 13.1 x 6.5 x 6.5 ft
- Door size: 89 x 192cm / 35 x 75.5 inches
- 25mm thick galvanised frame
- Super strong & durable
- Fully galvanised non-rust steel frame
- 4-section frame design
- 8m2 of workspace
- Full ground bars
- Diagonal storm bracing bars
- Two longitudinal roof bars
- 4 large roll-up windows on the side
- Integral fly net
- Metal door frame
- UV open, giving natural UV levels
- Speedy construction with easy to read assembly guide
