Suggestions

[EyeHeartBantams]

I have been trying to design a good coop for my chickens for the winter. Currently I have moveable runs that I'm keeping them in and they're doing well and enjoy the grass. However, winter is coming up faster than I'd like and I need to have something for them before the temperatures start dropping.

I would like to use a pallet structure as the base for whatever I build, as I have access to all the free pallets I need via our local feed store. I'll have 13 bantam chickens (give or take) of different ages, and our winters can get bitterly cold up here (up to -50 degrees Celcius with the windchill easily) and many of the breeds I have are very-much warm-weather breeds. What is the minimum floor space I need for my birds? What measures should I take to ensure a warm dry place for my lovelies for the winter months? If you can offer me any advice I'd really appreciate it as I've never over-wintered chickens before. Thanks so much.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Let me give you links to some articles I think might help you. The lady that wrote them was in Ontario, not Manitoba, but maybe she will have some credibility with you.

Pat’s Big Ol' Ventilation Page
https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=1642-VENTILATION

Pat’s Cold Coop (winter design) page:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=1642-winter-coop-temperatures

Pat’s Big Ol' Mud Page (fixing muddy runs):
https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=1642-fix-a-muddy-run

Pay attention to what she says about ventilation. Getting rid of excess moisture and the ammonia is quite important, even (or maybe especially) in your climate. If you have ventilation openings over their heads when they are roosting, you can keep them out of drafts yet provide good ventilation. Be a bit careful that snow does not block the winter ventilation. Vents under the roof overhang, gable vents, and many roof vents will work, but ridge vents may not be a good choice in heavy snow.

Don't think that crowding them together will help keep them that warm. The need space in winter for social reasons anyway. I'm a firm believer in providing plenty of space for them, not crowding them together.

You might consider a hover if you are that concerned. This is basically a box with the opening on the bottom that can go just over the roosts so it traps warm air. But be careful. You might find that they prefer sleeping on top of it instead of under it if they can get to the top.

Good luck with it.

 

[chfite]

Since chickens don't have much exposed skin other than the wattles and comb, wind chill calculations are not important.

Chickens need ventilation, avoiding drafts, for best conditions.

I use a birdbath heater to keep the water flowing in the winter. It cycles on and off as needed, keeping the water from freezing. http://www.hayneedle.com/sale/delux...rd={keyword}&gclid=CMvo5oSIlLECFUFV4AodmWWheg
Long link. This is bullet-proof in construction.

Chris