How to Keep Your Chickens Healthy and Laying Strong All Year Round

Winter Chicken Care in SEQ: Why It Matters & What Your Flock Needs

As the days shorten and the temperature drops across South East Queensland, your chickens will feel it — even if they’re tough little birds. Winter presents a unique set of challenges for backyard poultry keepers: reduced daylight, cooler nights, and an increased risk of parasites and nutritional stress.

That’s why now is the perfect time to take a few simple steps to protect your flock’s health, keep them comfortable, and support ongoing egg production. Here’s how – and why it matters.

Why Nutrition Needs Change in Winter

Chickens burn more energy in winter just to stay warm. At the same time, their natural egg-laying cycle often slows as daylight hours drop. That’s where quality feed and supplements can make all the difference.

Here are a few options that deliver protein, energy and essential nutrients to keep your hens laying regularly-even through the colder months:

• Laucke Mills Red Hen 17 Premium Layer 20kg
• Jenco Premium 18% Fine Layer Mash 20kg
• Green Valley Open Range Poultry Mix 20kg – $1 from each bag goes to the Breast Cancer Foundation

👉 Shop chicken feed now

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Why Protein & Calcium Are Critical Now

When feathers fluff up or start to drop (common during winter molts), your chickens need more protein to rebuild. At the same time, calcium is critical for shell formation- especially when hens are stressed or producing fewer eggs.

What to Use:

• Shell Grit: Helps with digestion and provides essential calcium. It’s a must-have year-round but especially during winter.
• Mealworms or Superworms: A natural, high-protein treat that supports feather growth and energy levels.

👉 View our supplements and treats

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Why Pest Control Is More Important in Cold Weather

As coops get warmer and more enclosed, they can become a haven for lice and mites. These pests can go unnoticed until they cause feather loss, itchiness, or stress – which quickly leads to lower egg output and poor health.

What to Use:

• Pestene Powder: A go-to for controlling mites and lice on your birds and in the coop. Apply it under the wings, around vents, and in nesting boxes.
• David Grays Poultry Dust: Another effective option that works well for both bird and bedding treatment.
• Laucke Mills Red Hen Dewormer 10kg A feed option that is used for worming programs for the control of the most common worm species found in chickens, including tapeworms.

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Why Good Gear Makes Winter Easier

Shorter days and cold mornings make routine tasks like feeding and watering a bit trickier. The right tools not only save you time – they protect your flock’s food and water from contamination and weather.

What to Use:

• Galvanised Hanging Feeders & Troughs: Durable, rust-resistant, and raised to avoid waste and pests.
• Covered Poultry Waterers: Keep water clean and fresh – essential for winter hydration.

We carry a wide range of feeders and waterers to suit any flock size.
👉 Browse accessories here

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Your Winter Chicken Care Checklist

✔ Ensure coops are dry, draft-free, and well-ventilated
✔ Switch to higher-energy feeds and top up with protein
✔ Use shell grit daily to support egg quality
✔ Dust birds and bedding with mite treatments monthly
✔ Keep Feeders and Water off the ground
✔ Cant forget a cuddle!

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Local Support, Real Advice

At Caloundra Produce & Landscape Supplies, we’re more than a feed store. We’re chicken people too. That’s why we only stock products we trust and use ourselves. Whether you’re raising hens for eggs or for fun, we’re here to help you get the most out of your flock – this winter and every season.

Explore our full chicken care range online
Or drop in-store for friendly advice and local expertise