Before I rebuild, what would yall do differently?

[StinkyAcres]

Airtight but uninsulated, but with a vent fan i used during the day to prevent moisture build up and a 250 watt heat light.

There was your problem.

 

[z3lda3]

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

Ok Mrs.K that’s awesome info! Ok so the windows are 5ftish up from floor. Is that high enough for the ventilation?

 

[aart]

It's Maine

@Snakebiteholloway ...or is it Lousiana?
Your conflicting info is confusing.

I’m in NC

@z3lda3

Would be good for both of you to add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!

 

[z3lda3]

@Snakebiteholloway ...or is it Lousiana?
Your conflicting info is confusing.


@z3lda3

Would be good for both of you to add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!
View attachment 3856716

Ha! Hey look at that! Will do

 

[Snakebiteholloway]

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

When i first wintered here, i went to the dr south the same symptoms you just described. I was told that's nerve and tissue cold damage, I said, "uhhh, isn't that frostbite description? " she said, "no dear. When your parts turn black and shrivel up, THAT'S Frostbite! " so when that happened to my girls and roo ... well ... But i no longer get frostbite. Or "nerve and tissue damage" because i do not go outside for more than chores and brief CVR exercise. Hahaha. I hate winter.
They do too! They don't go out either! They hate snow. Even if i pad their covered run with bales of hay they're like, uhuh. Nope right back into the coop.
I think they are southern at heart. Just like me. The Watermelon Bringer.

 

[StinkyAcres]

Ok Mrs.K that’s awesome info! Ok so the windows are 5ftish up from floor. Is that high enough for the ventilation?

Windows are great for summer ventilation, but not suitable for colder temps. The best place for 24/7/365 ventilation is in the eaves/soffits. That way any air coming though the vents won't hit your chickens when they are roosting.

 

[z3lda3]

Windows are great for summer ventilation, but not suitable for very cold temps. The best place for 24/7/365 ventilation is in the eaves/soffits. That way any air coming though the vents won't hit your chickens when they are roosting.

Ok ok. Can and will do! Question: so should I cover the windows with plywood or whatever that flat wood is called, during the winter? Or maybe shutters? Or??

 

[Snakebiteholloway]

@Snakebiteholloway ...or is it Lousiana?
Your conflicting info is confusing.


@z3lda3

Would be good for both of you to add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!
View attachment 3856716

Oh good idea. Yeah i type faster than i think. Sorry. I'm currently in Maine and have been for a few months shy of 8 years. I'm a La native and am going back in October. Stopping in Texas for some time where my parents are.
Because. I hate 8 month long winters. And bugs that suck all your blood.

 

[Mrs. K]

The best place for 24/7/365 ventilation is in the eaves/soffits. That way any air coming though the vents won't hit your chickens when they are roosting.

That is how mine is set up.

 

[StinkyAcres]

Ok ok. Can and will do! Question: so should I cover the windows with plywood or whatever that flat wood is called, during the winter? Or maybe shutters? Or??

I cover windows with plexiglass or plastic sheeting to allow light inside the coop during the winter.