Cold Weather Questions-Woods Coop

[LadyTas]

I am in the process of choosing a design for a coop for 15 chickens. I live in Northern Wisconsin, temps of -20 to 30 for a couple of weeks is common. Most winter nights are below zero.

I like the Woods design, but I am wondering how to prevent frozen eggs. Is heating the coop the only solution? Would this work with a Woods coop?

 

[black_cat]

I am in the process of choosing a design for a coop for 15 chickens. I live in Northern Wisconsin, temps of -20 to 30 for a couple of weeks is common. Most winter nights are below zero.

I like the Woods design, but I am wondering how to prevent frozen eggs. Is heating the coop the only solution? Would this work with a Woods coop?

You take a risk when heating the coop because the birds will not be as cold hardy. If the power goes out, you could lose your whole flock overnight. I don't know about a Woods coop, but I've seen things that recommend using a bedding with a high thermal mass, which basically just means that it will hold heat well. Also seal the coop well to keep out drafts, have vents well above the bird's heads when they're on their roosts, and give lots of scratch. Scratch takes longer for the birds to digest, so it will keep them warmer. I'm sure that other people have better advice, but that is what I've generally seen and read about.

 

[aart]

I am in the process of choosing a design for a coop for 15 chickens. I live in Northern Wisconsin, temps of -20 to 30 for a couple of weeks is common. Most winter nights are below zero.

I like the Woods design, but I am wondering how to prevent frozen eggs. Is heating the coop the only solution? Would this work with a Woods coop?

Heating any coop to keep eggs thawed is futile given the need for good ventilation.
Trying to heat a Woods Style coop, with it's large and wide open front, would be 'extra' futile.
You could heat the nests tho.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/heated-nesting-boxes-help-stop-frozen-eggs.67252/