cold weather coop requirements??

[mbhoakct76]

New at this, just starting on the coop now, it will be 3 weeks before my chicks can go out. so there's time to tweek.
the coop is going to be 6'x4' , about 4' high. I'm in northern CT, we often has below zero nights in the winter.
Keeping reds and bantams (variety not yet known).
At this point we have a old window (single pane) we were going to put on hinges and use as a liftable door to give access to cleaning and for asthetics. does anyone think the window will let in to much cold??
I know there has to be ventilation, is there a better side to put it on , like south or north side , or both sides for cross ventilation?? ive read in colder weather they can take the cold but their shelter should be draft free. so how much ventilation is to much?
and im debating if their run should have a solid roof on it , will they roam in the cold or stick to the coop?? without a solid roof , the snow will collect rapidly and be hard to shovel out. Of course a roof that will hold snow the snow load is going to make me over budget, but im thinkin its a requirement?
If anyone has any other input , that would be appreciated to!!
Thanks in advanced.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I suggest you read these.

Pat’s Winter Coop Temperatures
https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=1642-winter-coop-temperatures

Pat’s Ventilation
https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=1642-VENTILATION

 

[CityChook]

from Minnesota!

There is a TON of great information, particularly at this date as the bad weather is behind us, on the search function. Go to the blue bar above and click on "search." You can search the entire forum or choose certain categories. So much great advice/info shared by others. It will certainly keep you busy for a while.

 

[teach1rusl]

I've seen it suggested that bubble wrap can be taped over windows if they are letting in too much cold over the winter. However, I'm not sure how that would work if you use the window as a door??? A window is great to have in a coop though, so do work it in somehow if you can.

Give ample ventilation, just do it so you could close part of it down temporarily if needed. I do have windows to open in warm weather, but put all of my "official" ventilation openings along one wall. I regret that now (in warm weather). I'd put it in more than one wall to get the cross ventilation you mentioned.

Your chickens will eventually go out in cold weather, but probably not if there is snow on the ground. A covered run would be great! Mine is only covered by wire, but I'm going to work on covering at least part of it with metal this summer, as I got pretty tired of shoveling paths and clearings for them last winter.