So I have a covered run and just put plastic on three sides - from the ground to about 2/3 up the side. Inside of the covered run is a 3.5'x3.5' square coop made from plywood that is off the ground. It has a pop door that we keep open (because of the secure run - this provides some ventilation from below) and the whole roof is open (covered with hardwire cloth) there are three 2x2s on top of the coop and then a corrugated roofing panel that is translucent. I am lighting the coop with a 12W rope light on the top of their coop between the hardwire cloth and corrugated roof from 3 am until it gets light out. I put a thermometer in the coop last night and it didn't stay any warmer (maybe 2-3 degrees) in the coop than the outside temperatures. We have three hens. I try to give them some scratch before they roost for the night. I haven't seen signs of moisture collection inside of the coop. I'm guessing I need to block some of the ventilation by placing a board or cardboard over the top of the wire part of the roof. I was thinking I might block 1/3 to 1/2 and see how it goes. Do you have other suggestions? Temps are only in the mid 20s right now at night, but we are supposed to get into the teens and below in the coming weeks and I'd like to have their coop be warmer than the outside air. Would you block over where the chickens roost or the other half of the coop? We live in a VERY dry climate - for the most part humidity is below 20% out. I keep their water and food in the covered run - their water is heated to keep it liquid.
Thanks in advance.
Ha, the chickens still don't like the plastic much, but I'm not sure what to do about that.
Thanks in advance.
Ha, the chickens still don't like the plastic much, but I'm not sure what to do about that.