Winter in Georgia, especially in Kakheti, presents real challenges for poultry keeping. With proper preparation, your flock will stay healthy and productive throughout the cold season.
How to care for poultry during Georgian winters
Winter in Georgia, especially in Kakheti, presents real challenges for poultry keeping. With proper preparation, your flock will stay healthy and productive throughout the cold season.
Coop preparation should start in October–November, before night temps drop below 0°C:
During Kakheti winters (typically -5°C to -10°C), most breeds survive without heating:
Heating only needed below -15°C or with poor insulation. Infrared lamp or ceramic heater — safe options.
Winter daylight shortens and egg production drops. For optimal laying:
Don't extend light in the evening — birds need natural darkness to return to roost.
In winter, birds use 20–30% more energy to maintain body heat:
Water is most critical — birds can't survive 24+ hours without it:
Birds spend less time outside in winter. Bored birds start feather-pecking:
Usually no — cold-hardy breeds (Brahma, Plymouth Rock) handle -15°C fine. Only heat in extreme cold or poorly insulated coops.
Shorter daylight. Add artificial lighting to 14–16 hours and production recovers.
Brahma and Plymouth Rock — most cold-hardy. Rhode Island Red and Ameraucana adapt well too.
Change 2–3 times daily, or use an electric heated waterer.