At what temperature do you start closing the windows of your coop?

[Noymira]

We are likely to get our first frost this weekend and that leads me to start thinking about winterizing my coop.

At what temperature point do you start closing windows on your coops? I have 5 windows at roost height and soffit vents in my 10' x 10' shed with the soffits at 8 feet where the roof overhangs (roof peaks up to 12').

The shed is partially insulated, but will not be heated, I was thinking of waiting until temps get consistently into the 20's at night before I close up most of the windows, and I still want to add some vents near the roof peak.

When and how do you start winterizing in northern climates? My birds are hardy breeds and I do want them to acclimate to the colder weather well, since there will be no heat bulb when we hit -30 in February.

Thanks!

 

[Tripp16]

I too hope someone with experience chimes in here, I would like to know because it does get cold here.

 

[Oregon Blues]

I close windows at night when the temps go below freezing. No heat source. I never close the small door that the ducks go in and out of. They have a very secure run, so don't need to be closed in for predator protection.

I've got ducks and geese and I suspect they are more cold hardy than chickens.

When I had chickens, I would put a 100 watt spotlight into the coop when the weather got down to 30 below and close the small hatch at night.

Also, close those windows when there is a strong wind, so the wind doesn't come in through the windows and lift your roof.

 

[featherz]

Honestly, I did nothing last year. I think I closed the windows on one coop when it was double digits below zero, but otherwise left them open unless cold and very windy. I use heated dog bowls for water and deep litter method for the floor. Didn't lose a single bird to cold and I stupidly don't even have all cold hardy birds. I even had young banties in one coop and they did fine as well.

Did get a little worried when it hit -26 and almost put a heat lamp out. Didn't do it, all were fine.

ETA - My windows are above the roosts, not where drafts can blow on the chooks.

 

[mons02035]

I would say below freezing I would close her up completely so long as they run around outside during the day. I would definitley start closing the windows that are at roost height. Cold drafts are the deadliest thing your birds will face in winter. Cold temps they can cope with but drafts will kill them fast. I would say that right now at night I would close any windows at roost height and then as it falls below freezing I would close it all up (windows and doors not vents and soffits, leave those open)

 

[Noymira]

Thanks, some good responses! I've got 3 windows on one wall that are all hardware cloth, and I have glass frames to screw on over those. the other two windows are storms, so I can adjust them as needed. I may close up those two tonight and leave the others open for a few more weeks. This cold snap is only a fall preview and we will get back into the 40's at night next week.