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Woods-style house in the winter

post #1 of 228
1/27/11 at 2:43pm
Thread Starter 

Here are some pics of my Woods style open-air chicken house.  I got the idea from a book written in the early 1900's.  They had houses like this all the way up through Maine.  The front is always open, and the other windows are opened up during warmer weather.  The house measures 8 ft. wide x 16 ft deep.  I have no problems with frostbitten combs -- there is no frost/dampness inside of the house -- it's kind of dusty.  I currently have 11 birds.


http://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/uploads/55557_img_1353.jpg
http://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/uploads/55557_img_1354.jpg
http://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/uploads/55557_img_1347.jpg
http://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/uploads/55557_img_1351.jpg
http://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/uploads/55557_img_1352.jpg
http://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/uploads/55557_img_1349.jpg


 

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post #2 of 228
1/27/11 at 2:49pm

That is LOVELY! And very attractive to look at.

Mine have similar exposure to the air, and it seems to be fine. I partially enclose my run in the winter to provide more shelter, but by no means are they "inside" anything.

I'll have to look at the plans and try something like this if and when I ever move to the country.

Very well done.

No longer in Philadelphia! Now in the Central NY/ Albany region!
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No longer in Philadelphia! Now in the Central NY/ Albany region!
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post #3 of 228
1/27/11 at 2:50pm

I love the look of it and they all seem very happy. I think that I would have done a bit more of an overhang on the front just to give it a bit more cover from rain and snow that may have a little wind force behind it. Otherwise, I really like it! Thanks for sharing!

Mom to wonderful young man in the USAF, wife to an amazing husband, owner of 2 Border Terriers, Jack and Hannah, & 1 Black Cocker Spaniel named Katie. Keeper of 2 adorable coops which house my Light and Dark Brahmas (standard and bantam), EE mixes, and my d'Anvers which I have in Dun Quail.

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Mom to wonderful young man in the USAF, wife to an amazing husband, owner of 2 Border Terriers, Jack and Hannah, & 1 Black Cocker Spaniel named Katie. Keeper of 2 adorable coops which house my Light and Dark Brahmas (standard and bantam), EE mixes, and my d'Anvers which I have in Dun Quail.

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post #4 of 228
1/27/11 at 3:10pm

If I were you I would put some plastic over the wire.

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post #5 of 228
1/27/11 at 3:13pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by jaredschickenadvent 

If I were you I would put some plastic over the wire.


And why would I want to do that????


 

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post #6 of 228
1/27/11 at 3:14pm

I love it!!

Mommy/Lineman wife of 3 kids, 1 golden retriever, and 1st time mama to 15 chicks March 1, 2011 ; )
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Mommy/Lineman wife of 3 kids, 1 golden retriever, and 1st time mama to 15 chicks March 1, 2011 ; )
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post #7 of 228
1/27/11 at 3:14pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by jaredschickenadvent 

If I were you I would put some plastic over the wire.


I would put a tarp up in the winter over the front to block the wind and cold. Very beautiful coop!


Edited by ChickensAreSweet - 1/27/11 at 3:17pm

Read about Egyptian Fayoumis here: http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/316739/egyptian-fayoumis-info and more here: http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/281062/fayoumi-bigawi-qarafa-and-old-egyptian 

Egyptian Fayoumis are one of the world's treasures and are magnificent creatures.

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Read about Egyptian Fayoumis here: http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/316739/egyptian-fayoumis-info and more here: http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/281062/fayoumi-bigawi-qarafa-and-old-egyptian 

Egyptian Fayoumis are one of the world's treasures and are magnificent creatures.

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post #8 of 228
1/27/11 at 3:18pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by NottinghamChicks 

I love the look of it and they all seem very happy. I think that I would have done a bit more of an overhang on the front just to give it a bit more cover from rain and snow that may have a little wind force behind it. Otherwise, I really like it! Thanks for sharing!


It's a lovely coop, but the lack of an overhang was the first thing that went through my head too...what if you get blowing rain (not this time of year of course...lol).

Caretaker of a lovely mixed flock including: australorp, plymouth rocks, wyandotte, d'uccles, silkies, EEs, andalusian, and a few seramas, plus a golden retriever, great dane, and three cats.
R.I.P. Bear 2010 - "The Best Dog Ever"

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Caretaker of a lovely mixed flock including: australorp, plymouth rocks, wyandotte, d'uccles, silkies, EEs, andalusian, and a few seramas, plus a golden retriever, great dane, and three cats.
R.I.P. Bear 2010 - "The Best Dog Ever"

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post #9 of 228
1/27/11 at 3:31pm

I think the entire point of this kind of housing is that the birds are exposed to fresh air at ALL times. It was popularly used many years ago, presumably quite successfully. It eliminates stagnant air, and with the constant circulation, the bedding stays very dry.

I'm sure someone else can explain more of the theory behind it. Most heritage breeds from northern climates will thrive in housing like this.

No longer in Philadelphia! Now in the Central NY/ Albany region!
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No longer in Philadelphia! Now in the Central NY/ Albany region!
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post #10 of 228
1/27/11 at 3:34pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by teach1rusl 
Quote:
Originally Posted by NottinghamChicks 

I love the look of it and they all seem very happy. I think that I would have done a bit more of an overhang on the front just to give it a bit more cover from rain and snow that may have a little wind force behind it. Otherwise, I really like it! Thanks for sharing!


It's a lovely coop, but the lack of an overhang was the first thing that went through my head too...what if you get blowing rain (not this time of year of course...lol).


The coop faces to the southeast.  I have not had any real problems with rain blowing into the front. Sometimes in the summertime when all the windows are opened up, I have some rain blow into the house. But not enough to cause any unusually damp conditions. The house drys out fast.  Also, the 3ft behind the open front is covered with sand contained by a 2x10 board.  The rest of the floor is pine shavings.  The overhang is built to design from the plans I got out of the book. That's the way it's supposed to be.
I know it looks kind of wide open, but it's a tight house with no drafts at all. Unless I open the rest of the windows. We have had single digit temps, with over 30MPH winds, You go in that house and can feel no air movement.  The chickens seem to love it too.


 

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