Connecticut!

[new chick 203]

from Ridgefield. We must be close.

I wouldn't have one in Winter. There has to be a way to amend it before it gets cold. Do you have pictures? That might help the brain storm.

Hi all. I live in southwestern CT, and I'm new to back yard chickens. I was wondering if anyone has a screened bottom coop. Is there a need to winterize it somehow when the weather gets cold or would the chickens be fine out there in the winter? Any info would be helpful. Thanks!!

 

[jan12]

We are close - I'm in Easton Hi, and thanks for your reply!

I was thinking maybe I could build walls around the stilts of the hen house in the winter to prevent drafts. Im also going to build a run around it. Here's some pics:

 

[new chick 203]

I build walls around my coop in the fall with bails of hay as a wind block then in spring use the hay in the veg garden as mulch. I think something like that would help, but if I were you I would put in a real floor too. A chickens whole defense against the cold is creating a heat bank in their feathers and if you have any draft they can't do that.

Cute coop though.

We are close - I'm in Easton

Hi, and thanks for your reply!

I was thinking maybe I could build walls around the stilts of the hen house in the winter to prevent drafts. Im also going to build a run around it. Here's some pics:

 

[jan12]

 I build walls around my coop in the fall with bails of hay as a wind block then in spring use the hay in the veg garden as mulch. I think something like that would help, but if I were you I would put in a real floor too. A chickens whole defense against the cold is creating a heat bank in their feathers and if you have any draft they can't do that.

Cute coop though. 

I never thought about using hay, but sounds like it may do the job instead of me having to build walls. And I'll put in a temporary floor for winter.
Thanks for the great ideas!

 

[new chick 203]

I never thought about using hay, but sounds like it may do the job instead of me having to build walls. And I'll put in a temporary floor for winter.
Thanks for the great ideas!

No problem. If you ever need anything let me know, since we're practically neighbors.

 

[Lynzi777]

Anyone here interested in a pair of Magpie Drake Ducks?? I was sold a pair two weekends ago as male/female but they are in fact two males. I cannot have anymore drakes. If anyone is interested I am coming to CT this weekend and can meet someone Saturday or Sunday.

 

[jan12]

No problem. If you ever need anything let me know, since we're practically neighbors. 

Thanks! I will

 

[novicepeeps]

I saw a utube video of a guy in Canada who winterized his coop by surrounding and coving in straw looks awesome also if you have a wired run I've seen pics of people putting plastic on the sides as a wind break. I'm new too

 

[jan12]

I saw a utube video of a guy in Canada who winterized his coop by surrounding and coving in straw looks awesome also if you have a wired run I've seen pics of people putting plastic on the sides as a wind break. I'm new too

I think I'll definitely use some straw for warmth. I got another idea - maybe linoleum over the screen bottom for the winter and cover with straw. Maybe I'll surround the bottom with some plastic, but surrounding the coop with straw bales sound good too. Thanks for the info

 

[CaCO3]

 I build walls around my coop in the fall with bails of hay as a wind block then in spring use the hay in the veg garden as mulch. I think something like that would help, but if I were you I would put in a real floor too. A chickens whole defense against the cold is creating a heat bank in their feathers and if you have any draft they can't do that.

Cute coop though. 

I have used stacked bales of hay/straw too. Built a cube on top of a pallet with a sheet of plywood over top and a tarp covering, and put inside my smaller coop. Worked great and no prob with mold either. Was a good last minute alternative to trying to build something.