15 degrees F / wind chill of 1 degree F

[annmarie]

I'd just make sure you have a really good windbreak on the north side (or wherever your prevailing wind comes from, usually north), and really good sun exposure on the south side, since typically the coldest days are also the sunniest days. And of course, they need the option of just staying inside too, and then your chickens should be pretty happy!

 

[Leah-yes I know I'm crazy]

Quote:
Look for a fiberglass truck bed topper. If it has a broken window that's fine. I have several sitting on the ground that they use for dust bath pits. In the summer I set flower pots on them so they aren't so obvious to the neighbors...they look like raised beds that the chickens crawl under. I find them for free or nearly free around here all the time because they have no scrap value. If it's not in an enclosed pen make sure there are two open areas so that the birds can't be caged in by a preditor. The ground underneath will stay nice and dry and if it happens to be black it will attract a bit of the sun and warm up a bit in there. I have never had a day in eight year of having birds where they didn't go outside given the opportunity.

 

[danamillette]

Great idea! I do have some tarp they may be difficult for them to destroy (knock on wood). I will see if hubby can get some scrap plywood from work too. Thanks again!

 

[Lee]

I let mine have the option. It is amazing sometimes to see the wind blowing their bloomer feathers up around their head. They can choose sun, shade, inside or outside.

Makes me wonder how they get along in the winter with the same feathering they had in the heat of the summer. Whew!

 

[All about the EGG]

Mine have been hanging out in the coop today. The door IS open...but no interest.

 

[SewingDiva]

Quote:
We have some clear polycarbonate roof panels in the garage (scrap form another project) that I plan to use this weekend. I'll cut it to fit inside the frame on the lower part of the run. I'm going to drill holes around the edges, and attach it to the hardware cloth with zip ties. In the spring I'll take them them off and store them for next winter.

I think clear Plexiglas would work well too. Snow is predicted for Sunday here in MA.

Phyllis

 

[cristy17]

Yesterday we had 10. i give my flock the option to go out if they want. I open the door to their run. I think by 11am and 15 degrees a few wandered out. I laughed because my ducks were playing in the snow and the chickens were giving them a "what the heck" look

 

[greenmulberry]

My chickens always have the option to go out if they want too.

It was 13 degrees a few hours after I got to work, and so I know it was MUCH colder than that this morning, but they were out scratching in the dirt in their run. I have the run mostly covered so they have dirt and leaves to mess with even when we get snow. They do hate the snow.

I figure, if they seem comfortable, why not give them the choice?