To keep weather out and make the runs more comfortable when the snow flies and temps dive, I've stapled 6 mil plastic onto firring strips that I screw to wood frames on the run. It enables me to re-use the plastic for several years running, ease in putting them up and taking them down, and the plastic is secured against being torn loose by high winds.
Flock scratch blocks provide all day entertainment.
On part of my run, I have permanent wind breaks that I created using discarded full length glass doors and on the open areas, I screw Coroplast double walled plastic panels to wood frames to protect against cold wind and snow getting in. Both runs are roofed over with fiberglass roof panels to keep out rain and snow. This creates a balmy environment inside on cold days, and the flock is very content to hang out inside.
Nest boxes have pine shavings in them, while the coops have sand on the floors over vinyl. The runs are also masonry sand, and the sand absorbs heat during the day and acts as a heat sink, moderating the overall indoor temperature, so it's often ten to fifteen degrees warmer inside than out. I do not heat my coops.
The plastic panels allow maximum light to pass through, creating an enjoyable winter habitat for the flock. These chickens spend much of the day pecking away at the flock block. I also give them squash, carrots, and apples and cabbages with an eye crew to hang them to further vary their diet and to create variety and interest which alleviates boredom.
Flock scratch blocks provide all day entertainment.
On part of my run, I have permanent wind breaks that I created using discarded full length glass doors and on the open areas, I screw Coroplast double walled plastic panels to wood frames to protect against cold wind and snow getting in. Both runs are roofed over with fiberglass roof panels to keep out rain and snow. This creates a balmy environment inside on cold days, and the flock is very content to hang out inside.
Nest boxes have pine shavings in them, while the coops have sand on the floors over vinyl. The runs are also masonry sand, and the sand absorbs heat during the day and acts as a heat sink, moderating the overall indoor temperature, so it's often ten to fifteen degrees warmer inside than out. I do not heat my coops.
The plastic panels allow maximum light to pass through, creating an enjoyable winter habitat for the flock. These chickens spend much of the day pecking away at the flock block. I also give them squash, carrots, and apples and cabbages with an eye crew to hang them to further vary their diet and to create variety and interest which alleviates boredom.