Best blanket

[jreardon1918]

We do a 1' gap at the top. Here is what it looked like last winter. We may try adding wrap shown by a red line. The cold is not much of a concern. And with the run covered and somewhat wrapped in plastic. The winter sun keeps the ground from freezing in the run.

Preparing the girls for winter

 

[WIchickMama]

Great thank you!!!! I am thinking an 8 inch gap then. My DH thinks I am crazy but you are all much more wise than I am. I want to say our avg temp is 0F but they will be dry.

I ordered a temp gauge too for the run and coop and then the outside so I can manage humidity and temps

 

[aart]

I know that there has been many references to not the cold but the drafts is what needs to be managed for the hens but if I add the 6-8 inches all the way around the top will it not make it too cold? It was really nice in there yesterday--they were out sunning themselves all day.

You're not trying to make it 'warmer' in the run, you want to block wind and snow.
I would drop your top cleats down to make a 6-8 gap at top all around.
May want to do the same on the door.
You may need to move them back up once you see where the snow might blow in.

 

[jreardon1918]

Great thank you!!!! I am thinking an 8 inch gap then. My DH thinks I am crazy but you are all much more wise than I am. I want to say our avg temp is 0F but they will be dry.

I ordered a temp gauge too for the run and coop and then the outside so I can manage humidity and temps

We have an accurate indoor/outdoor monitor. Here is. It reaches our wifi from about 100' from the router. I compare the reading inside to the reported humidity in the area. Just to make sure the humidity is under control. Currently our coop is 5% higher than the reported humidity near our home.

 

[3KillerBs]

I ordered a temp gauge too for the run and coop and then the outside so I can manage humidity and temps

This is wise.

There is no substitute for accurate information.

 

[Alaskan]

Because of blowing snow I prefer a wall or 2, or even 3, fully covered, and one wall fully open.

But... so much depends on the wind at your place.