Chickens in the Winter

[k24smith]

I live in South East Ohio and we can get some cold winters. Wind chill is usually our main problem. I have read different opinions on heat lamps. My coop is small and I have three Rhode Island Red adult hens. Should I use a heat lamp or just use tarp to block out the wind? Here is a pic of my coop and run.

 

[liz9910]

Welcome to BYC! I would post in your state's thread here for advice from someone local for best results: https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/26/where-am-i-where-are-you where I live it doesn't get that cold so I can't offer any advice, good luck to you.

 

[1muttsfan]

Hi and welcome to BYC from northern Michigan

I am up in northern Michigan, and we get very bitter cold weather. Your birds will do fine if you just provide a well-ventilated, draft-free coop for them. No additional heat is necessary, and make sure you do not seal their coop up too tightly - I leave one window open at least a crack all winter. A tarp on at least the windiest side of the run would make it more comfortable for them in windy cold weather.

 

[drumstick diva]

I agree on the tarp but, it has to be securely adhered to the wire. If it flaps around noisily in the wind, it will scare the chickens.

 

[drumstick diva]

PS some people just stack hay bales around the sides of the run to block the worst of the wind.

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

Welcome to BYC! Glad you joined us!

 

[sumi]

Welcome to BYC

1muttsfan gave you some good advice. That is a really cute coop! Did you build it yourself?

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC!

 

[micah O]

I agree on the tarp but, it has to be securely adhered to the wire. If it flaps around noisily in the wind, it will scare the chickens.

yep agree.

 

[k24smith]

The coop is a pre-fab coop kit I purchased and had to put together. The run is out of scrap lumber and roofing we had with hardware cloth around it.