Cold front coming, small flock!

[Einhornjohnsonjt]

There’s some cold single digits with strong winds coming in, I’ve only got 2 buffs and two bantams in a well vented 20sq ft coop attached to a covered run. I’m posting bc they don’t have a lot of body heat since there’s only four birds, wondering if I should close their coop door or lay more bedding/pine shavings or even get a fire-safe 200watt heater panel out there? The coop isn’t insulated, I’ve read that they are sturdy winter hardy birds and usually take to super cold just fine but I still worry about their comfort. I’m sure they will
Live but ofc we want more for them than just that.

 

[LateBirdFarms]

Strong winds coming in, as into your coop, or just in in general? What sort of birds do you have, anything exotic? For the most part, as long as they can stay out of the direct wind they should be okay, smaller breeds aren't necessarily worse off my little Hamburgs are my winter troopers. If you're able to provide windbreaks for your coop and run, it goes a long way to keeping your chickens happy.

 

[Marieaa70]

There’s some cold single digits with strong winds coming in, I’ve only got 2 buffs and two bantams in a well vented 20sq ft coop attached to a covered run. I’m posting bc they don’t have a lot of body heat since there’s only four birds, wondering if I should close their coop door or lay more bedding/pine shavings or even get a fire-safe 200watt heater panel out there? The coop isn’t insulated, I’ve read that they are sturdy winter hardy birds and usually take to super cold just fine but I still worry about their comfort. I’m sure they will
Live but ofc we want more for them than just that.

If they are in closed at night they will be fine, Wild birds make it thru so will hens, just as long as they are not getting wet, You can hang a lite blub for a little heat but that s not good as when it s day time they don t sit under the heat they run around and look for bugs and food, Been raising hens for 40 years in unheated building , just keep them dry, and good food

 

[Einhornjohnsonjt]

Strong winds coming in, as into your coop, or just in in general? What sort of birds do you have, anything exotic? For the most part, as long as they can stay out of the direct wind they should be okay, smaller breeds aren't necessarily worse off my little Hamburgs are my winter troopers. If you're able to provide windbreaks for your coop and run, it goes a long way to keeping your chickens happy.

Strong wings/winter storm, 45mph off of Lake Michigan :/ two buffs and two bantams. Windbreaks are great, about to go see if they held up!

 

[Eggcessive]

When it gets to single digits here, I close up windows and doors, only having high ventilation overhead to remove moisture and freshen air. I close the pop door at night as well. I do use a heat lamp just to take the edge off, but it stays pretty cold. I have 2x3 boards for roosts so they can lie on their feet. My bantams and other chickens have tolerated it fairly well. Large combed birds may get some frostbite.