Snow and bitter cold - what to do?

[lvie]

I am in Big Lake - the one in Sherburne County. Brand new to this Chicken stuff. Wondering what YOU do to over winter YOUR birds in winter

 

[ChickenCanoe]

The main thing is to cover part of your run to have a snow free area. Cover the snow with straw so they have somewhere to walk. Chickens can handle cold quite well. Whatever you do, don't cut down on ventilation. They die from heat and bad air, not just cold.

 

[lvie]

Okay to adding the straw for an insulated ground in the run. I was thinking I should wrap the run with plastic to protect from the wind. Plus it would heat the run and coop alittle. To keep the two vents open to provide air exchange. I am going to use the landscaping sand in the coop and run. Its just one of those small
coops and is for four birds at this time.

I was also thinking of stringing rope lighting around the interior of the coop and run, on a timer.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

For lighting to have an impact, it needs to be bright enough to read a newspaper by at roost height.
The first winter, they won't need added light. After the first winter, wait till most recover from molt before adding light.
Perhaps a wind break in MN will be helpful.
At 2 AM the inside temperature won't vary more than a degree from the outside. Just because you're cold, doesn't mean your chickens are.
2 vents doesn't give me a warm and fuzzy feeling. 4 birds need 4 sq. ft. of opening for air exchange.
good luck

 

[Mutt Farm]

Hi!

Here are a couple threads to wander around in that might be helpful to you. https://www.backyardchickens.com/newsearch?search=wintering+your+flock
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/things-to-and-not-to-do-during-winter
NOTE: this article says to use vaseline on combs and wattles, but I've heard experts here on BYC say different. You can type in any question in the search bar to find info. Best of luck toy you.

 

[lvie]

Thank you for this input. All is covered so I am doing okay in that area.