What is the best coop design for Rode Island Reds in South Dakota. It gets 30 below but even colder with windchill factors. This spring we will be getting the chicks. We are very new to the chicken community. What is the reason for coops above ground vs. ground level?
Above ground is easier to reach in to clean, but you don't want a small coop with air below it in that climate. Start here for excellent cold weather coop and ventilation information:
For sure off the ground
Huge amount of insulation
Try to get it out of the weather/wind. Next to a barn, lot of trees, a big hedge to break and storm front
Heat lamp in the brooder 24 to 30" from the chicks. Big enough so they can get out of the heat if to hot
Speaking of hot put ventilation in there to exhaust the heat and a way to close them if windy in that direction
Speaking of windy, where we live along the Columbia Gorge the wind comes mostly from the NE so make that side with no openings
Feed the birds fatty foods to protect them.
I am sure others will chime in but there is a few things I would do in a cold climate
