Tips for keeping your flock healthyand laying through winter(BPT) - When winter approaches, you probably take steps to prepare your home - insulating water pipes, sealing windows and doors, or covering and storing outdoor furniture. If you've also been following the backyard chicken trend - and enjoying fresh eggs all summer long - you'll want to take steps to care for your flock when the weather cools. And if you've been considering getting some chickens, but think you have to put it off until spring, think again - you can still start a flock, or keep an existing one thriving, and laying, throughout winter.