Before I rebuild, what would yall do differently?

[z3lda3]

Yes, the smaller the comb the less risk of frost bite to that area. IF they do get frostbite it usually falls off and heals on its own anyway. You really don't need to worry though, being that you are in NC. The single combs will help them stay cooler in the summer which is more important in your climate.

Oh boy are you right about the summer heat!! They got mesh covered windows and a fan, I’m out there misting their feet, frozen watermelon, ice in their water.
I had no idea about the comb thing, thanks for the info!

 

[StinkyAcres]

I just wanted to clarify that a single comb is what most people think of when they think of a chicken's comb. Here are other types of combs. Most of my chickens have pea combs which are smaller and closer to the head which make them less prone to frost bite.

 

[z3lda3]

I just wanted to clarify that a single comb is what most people think of when they think of a chicken's comb. Here are other types of combs. Most of my chickens have pea combs which are smaller and closer to the head which make them less prone to frost bite.

Thank you!! Ok looks like my rooster definitely has a single comb, and my girls have a tiny single comb. Hmmm welp now I wonder if my girls combs are ok. My girls are 14/15 weeks their comb is still really close to their heads, but my roo is only 9 weeks and his is massive. Oh look something else to worry about

 

[StinkyAcres]

Thank you!! Ok looks like my rooster definitely has a single comb, and my girls have a tiny single comb. Hmmm welp now I wonder if my girls combs are ok. My girls are 14/15 weeks their comb is still really close to their heads, but my roo is only 9 weeks and his is massive. Oh look something else to worry about

That is normal, don't worry! The size depends on age, breed, sex, and even whether the hens are in lay or not.

 

[z3lda3]

That is normal, don't worry! The size depends on age, breed, sex, and even whether the hens are in lay or not.

Whew! I was starting to freak out! I’ve stunted their comb growth somehow!! Thanks once again!

 

[StinkyAcres]

Whew! I was starting to freak out! I’ve stunted their comb growth somehow!! Thanks once again!

You're welcome! And I get it! I am a worrier too, especially when it comes to raising animals.

 

[Mrs. K]

Well, I will throw my 10 cents in. haha

When people start talking heat, warm and insulation they are thinking of their own homes. Chickens need DRY! and out of a breeze. Ventilation is what keeps the coop dry, it lets out the warm moist air of chicken breath and manure. When you start thinking warm, you think trap the heat, and what really happens is you trap the moisture. Damp chickens are cold chickens.

Now a lot depends on where you live and the humidity you have. And that brings us to frostbite. The funny thing is, I don't get frostbite at -20F. At -20, everything is frozen solid and dry. No, when I get frostbite, is when all of a sudden, it warms up dramatically, into the high 30's, everything thaws out, and that night, with all that moisture in the air, and the temperature plummets again, that is frostbite.

So for the health of your chickens in all weather, a lot of dry bedding, limited poop, and roosts placed so that your bird is away from the walls and the ceiling where moisture can collect, openings at the top of the roof.

Mrs K

 

[z3lda3]

You're welcome! And I get it! I am a worrier too, especially when it comes to raising animals.

If they could talk it’d be so much easier. It’s like I got chicks and all is fine and one day it dawns on me- I’m responsible for their health and safety!! Omg I can’t even balance my check book!! (ok I don’t use checks, but the point still stands), and I freak out easily about everything concerning my chickens.

 

[Snakebiteholloway]

Lots of ventilation (1 square foot per bird is recommended) far above the roosts should prevent frostbite. I live in Vermont and my coop is not insulated. It's humid and gets down in the negatives every winter. My chickens are fine, even the Plymouth Rock with the single comb (she's 7 years old now).

At the time, i had 10 hens and 1 roo in a 10x10 coop 8' tall. Airtight but uninsulated, but with a vent fan i used during the day to prevent moisture build up and a 250 watt heat light. The temps hovered around the low 20s daily, high teens night. Middling humidity.The roo, the LHs and one Wyandotte got blackened comb tips and the Wyandotte lost two toes. I have wondered if the sustained low temps were the culprit. It's very different than like Louisiana, just dropping down low occasionally. So idk. At any rate, i like having my girls warm and comfy, so now i insulate and heat and thick hay substrate. I know they are more comfortable, and i sure am!

 

[Mrs. K]

As for the original poster, I would clean that out and use mostly as is...probably raised a lot of chickens in there, and really chickens are not real picky about broken boards.

Predators are different in different places, and God knows, I have fed more than a few. However, the last time I went with chain link fence over the top and sides with a L apron - and that has been predator proof. Not good for rats or mice, but not an issue where I am.