This is the first winter for my hens, and for me as a chicken owner. The past few days have been quite cold, getting to lows of 18 degrees at night. I have been trying to prepare the coop and run for winter. Yesterday I put up tarps around the bottom 3ft of the run, and under the nesting boxes, with the hope of keeping any wind off of my girls, while leaving the south side exposed for sunlight. I also installed a light on the inside of the coop set on a timer .
Egg production is NOT my concern. My concern is with my girls safety. I have read page after page telling me that cold weather doesn't bother them, but I can't help but worry about them. I have read a lot about frost bite and humidity. I must admit I am a bit confused. I clean out the coop around once every two weeks, and rake out the run about the same. I put down fresh straw/ shredded news paper every time i clean the coop and run. I don't really see a lot of moisture...the run has never been "wet" since it has been built. the coop and run are one structure 4'x12', and under a roof. Do i need to worry about frost bite? or Humidity? I need some help sorting out my needs...lol
..am I freaking out over nothing? SORRY! THIS PIC WAS FROM HALLOWEEN.
Egg production is NOT my concern. My concern is with my girls safety. I have read page after page telling me that cold weather doesn't bother them, but I can't help but worry about them. I have read a lot about frost bite and humidity. I must admit I am a bit confused. I clean out the coop around once every two weeks, and rake out the run about the same. I put down fresh straw/ shredded news paper every time i clean the coop and run. I don't really see a lot of moisture...the run has never been "wet" since it has been built. the coop and run are one structure 4'x12', and under a roof. Do i need to worry about frost bite? or Humidity? I need some help sorting out my needs...lol
..am I freaking out over nothing? SORRY! THIS PIC WAS FROM HALLOWEEN.