Chickens first snow

[JoeInPA]

Today we got our first accumulation of snow of the season. My heated waterer is doing it's job and the coop has no snow inside. The run does have some snow in it, so I think I'm going to have to cover at least one or two sides with something. I really don't want to use tarps for aesthetic reasons but I'm thinking some clear polycarbonate panels would cover 1/2 way up, make a decent wind block and keep the bulk of the snow out.

 

[Ted_Harrell]

Good idea on the polycarbonate. Make sure you leave a gap at the top for ventilation only...

 

[JoeInPA]

Here's what I came up with for a temporary solution. It's 3' tall 4 mil clear plastic. I stapled it on to get it in place then went back and nailed it with roofing nails. I don't really like it just because i think it looks ghetto, but assuming the wind doesn't rip it off, it should work for now.

 

[Alaskan]

Depending on where the wind blows from, you might need to fully cover one wall... cannot leave that gap at the top..

But then you should leave one entire wall open...

But.... hard to really know until you watch and see....

Just always leave lots of ventilation.

 

[Folly's place]

It's a chicken coop, NOT a palace! Sheet vinyl is just fine!
Consider covering the two windward sides completely with it, and leaving those upper gaps on the other two sides. Or, close three sides completely, and leave the south (leeward) side open.
I do use sheet vinyl every year, and after stapling it up a bit, add 1"x3" boards, screwed into the framing, to hold it on for the winter.
Pretty, no. Functional, absolutely.
Mary

 

[JoeInPA]

It's a chicken coop, NOT a palace! Sheet vinyl is just fine!
Consider covering the two windward sides completely with it, and leaving those upper gaps on the other two sides. Or, close three sides completely, and leave the south (leeward) side open.
I do use sheet vinyl every year, and after stapling it up a bit, add 1"x3" boards, screwed into the framing, to hold it on for the winter.
Pretty, no. Functional, absolutely.
Mary

I suppose you are right.

The problem is there really aren't any windward sides, the wind blows from all directions where my house is. We used to have a wind sock and it just blew in circles all day. I can always just fully cover two sides anyways, but without completely enclosing it, it's pretty hard to avoid the wind.

 

[JoeInPA]

The chickens came out for food this morning pecked around for only a minute or so, then quickly ran back in, can't say I blame them, it is 15° outside. Water heater is still working good.

 

[aart]

I'd cover the portion under the coop fully.

 

[JoeInPA]

Well 35°F must be the magic number because the chickens have been outside quite a bit today. It's still a little windy but the plastic sheeting seems to be doing its job. A couple of them were finally figuring out the "dust bath" which still isn't totally dusty due the humidity but they didn't seem to mind.

 

[Jandsloch]

I’m in. Nw pa we’ve been hammered with snow. Here’s some of my girls thinking I played a dirty trick on them lol. I don’t have a “run” I have half my yard fenced for them and the other half for the dogs. No wind break for them except in the coop....which isn’t a coop it’s a 10x10 shed made into a palace for my chickens.