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- #11
Ohh my mistake, thought they were going on top...should be fine on sides as far snow buildup.
I got scared there for a minute. I just woke up and I am trying to think how snow will stick to the sides...lol
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Ohh my mistake, thought they were going on top...should be fine on sides as far snow buildup.
Yeah, sorry...I totally missed the 'sides' part...was thinking side of roof.I got scared there for a minute. I just woke up and I am trying to think how snow will stick to the sides...lol
I had the same prefab, minus the upgrades you've done.
All of my chickens came out. I opened the pop door for them every morning and closed it every night. Which, I probably didnt have to - just did it for peace of mind. I kept their food and water under the main coop area. Plus, I added a run extension that was covered with a tarp. But, that wasn't always open depending on the day or snow fall - because I knew they wouldn't venture that way on those days.
But, on the section under the coop, I had wrapped in plastic. That is where they stayed most of the day. As long as the snow was cleared for them - they were out even on the coldest days we had where the windchills dipped to negative 25.
When I think about winter care, I remind myself that wild birds are out in it everyday. They just seek shelter from the wind.
I would open it. See what they prefer. It will give them more room to get away from each other too if needed.So now that I did the upgrades, do I still let them in the run area(by run area I mean the big run-not the one attached to the coop) That is where I'm second guessing it. If I open those doors(even one) I feel that is going to let a lot of wind/cold in, defeating the purpose.
With those upgrades I no longer close the pop door inside--at night they have the whole area. The 3 older ones go I that area and the 4 younger ones roost on the bar that is out of that area.
So technically the area I covered is the run area--I'm talking about the bigger run area.
These guys are still not getting along perfectly here. Better but I am worried the older ones will chase the younger ones out and they won't be able to get back in to be warm. On snow days I don't think I should leave that door open for that reason.
Use the lower door for a pop door, keep the top ones closed.
Remember you're not going to keep the coop 'warm', it just needs to block the wind.
How many birds do you have?
Nasty weather may keep them inside and crowding can become a Cabin Fever nightmare.