As the days slowly grow longer and the sun starts showing up a little earlier, your chickens feel the shift and so should your routines. Winter’s deep cold is fading, but spring isn’t fully here yet, and this in-between season can be tricky for flock care.
Here’s how to gently transition your chickens from winter survival mode to springtime thriving.
Watch for Shifts in Egg Production
Longer days mean more light, which means your hens may start laying again if they’ve been on a winter break.
- Make sure nesting boxes are clean and dry
- Offer free-choice oyster shell for calcium support
- Don’t be surprised if production jumps suddenly or takes a few weeks to ramp up
If you’ve been using supplemental lighting, this is a good time to taper it off if you’d like to let nature take the lead again.
Clean Out Winter Bedding Slowly
If you’ve used the deep litter method all winter, don’t go stripping everything at once. Sudden changes can cause stress or release ammonia smells that have been buried for months.
- Remove layers a bit at a time over a few days
- Add fresh straw or pine shavings between cleanouts
- Air out the coop on sunny, dry days
A clean, dry coop is a great welcome to spring, but take it one step at a time.
Refresh Feed and Water Systems
Frozen waterers and suet blocks got you through winter, but now’s a good time to reset.
- Scrub out all feeders and waterers
- Check for cracks from freeze damage
- Switch to lighter feed if you’ve been adding extra fat or protein
- Offer chopped greens or veggie scraps if fresh forage isn’t available yet
GROWING TIP: Chickens love spring weeds like chickweed and dandelion, they’re packed with nutrition.
Open Up Space as Weather Allows
Letting your chickens out too early in muddy, soggy conditions can tear up your yard or run, but keeping them cooped too long can lead to boredom and pecking.
- Let them out for short periods on dry afternoons
- Rotate runs or use movable fencing if you can
- Add branches or stumps for climbing and entertainment until they can range more freely
Keep an Eye on Health
Warmer temps bring mud, parasites, and exposure to wild birds. Spring is when things can flare up fast.
- Watch for mites, lice, or respiratory symptoms
- Clean up puddles and standing water
- Keep feed dry and stored in sealed containers
Now’s also a good time to check your flock’s overall condition, trim beaks if needed, examine feet, and look for early signs of bumblefoot or frostbite healing.
Wrap-Up
Spring brings fresh air and freedom but it also brings messes, mood shifts, and unexpected weather. Ease your chickens out of winter with care and they’ll reward you with health, harmony, and fresh eggs.
Have you noticed your flock changing as spring approaches? What’s your favorite sign that the season is shifting?
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