Chit-chat; Cooped up – and then?

All commercially kept poultry in the Netherlands is currently confined, meaning the animals may only be kept indoors. For hobby chickens, a mandatory shielding requirement applies, which means the birds must be protected from wild (water) birds that can transmit avian influenza. In practice, a covered run is usually sufficient. However, many hobby chickens are accustomed to roaming freely around the yard or at least foraging freely in a spacious run. Restricting freedom of movement by confining or shielding has consequences for the welfare and health of our animals. In two “chit-chats,” I would like to explain the problems that may arise as a result and offer practical solutions.

In winter, chickens normally move less anyway, as they spend less time outdoors due to cold and wet conditions. Now, however, the risk of issues such as overweight increases even further. The combination of reduced activity and unlimited access to energy-rich feed can lead to this. Possible consequences include fat accumulation in the abdominal cavity and around the organs, reduced egg production, a higher risk of egg binding, and decreased resistance.

Because foraging activity also declines in winter, fewer additional nutrients are ingested, for example from seeds, sprouts, worms, and insects. In addition, reduced intestinal activity can contribute to deficiencies in protein, vitamins, and minerals.

An adjusted feeding management strategy can prevent these problems in time. For example, be cautious when providing energy-rich feeds such as maize and grains, and do not offer more complete base feed than the chickens consume daily. At the same time, a shortage of protein and vitamins may arise precisely during the winter period. Of course, this can be compensated for with a (multi-)vitamin supplement, but offering dried insects (gammarus or mealworms) and vegetables (broccoli or kale) also provides substantial supplementation.

Naturally, fresh drinking water, grit stones, and, if necessary, shell grit should not be lacking for confined or shielded chickens. Grit stones can be offered ad libitum in a separate container; the chickens will take them as needed. Shell grit (crushed shells) is especially important for laying hens, if there are any during winter. Water should preferably be refreshed daily and, of course, protected from frost.

Regularly pick up a few birds to assess their condition (i.e., nutritional status): Is the breastbone easily felt (good), does it protrude sharply (too thin), or is it difficult to find (too fat)?

In addition to nutritional issues, it is mainly the limited opportunities to express natural behaviour that result from confinement or shielding. Fortunately, the resourceful chicken keeper can do many things to address this. More on that in Part 2 of this chit-chat.

Hans Krudde, December 2025