Coop Maintenance

[KMurphyVT]

Hi Again,
Just looking for suggestions on winter coop maintenance. I posted a little bit ago and someone replied that I show my coop to get more opinions. I have 8 hens with a coop and run area. My coop has a pop door with a ladder that I can close or open. I usually use pine shavings and scoop the poop out daily. I was just wondering if anyone had any other suggestions to make it easier in the winter.

 

[cavemanrich]

You have a beautiful coop But I see a lack/shortage of ventilation.
Of course I have no idea where you are located, so if you keep the door open that is in your first top picture, then ventilation should be sufficient. I am assuming ,,,,that door is from the enclosed run portion. Your run looks predator proof to most, with possible exception of bears. Not sure if you also have burrowing predators in your area.
Insufficient ventilation causes 2 major things. Ammonia buildup, which is bad for chickens lungs. In your case, since you clean up daily, the ammonia issue is not a threat.
Moisture and humidity, that can contribute to frostbite on combs, wattles, and feet. Usually not the feet, unless VERY COLD. Combs, and wattles are susceptible to frostbite at moderately cold temps. (on chickens with large combs, and large wattles) Extreme colds pose danger of frostbite to the rest of the chicken breeds.
A dry coop, is the best choice to prevent/minimize frostbite.
If you included your location in your profile, it is always there. Gives those trying to advise you, much better perspective, If you have privacy concerns, then lie about your exact location,and enter a similar location with similar climate next State Over. Nobody fact-checks peeps location here anyways.

Ask anything else you are not sure about.
WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,and

 

[DobieLover]

Hi Again,
Just looking for suggestions on winter coop maintenance. I posted a little bit ago and someone replied that I show my coop to get more opinions. I have 8 hens with a coop and run area. My coop has a pop door with a ladder that I can close or open. I usually use pine shavings and scoop the poop out daily. I was just wondering if anyone had any other suggestions to make it easier in the winter. View attachment 2398562

Nice coop!
If you don't already have one, install a 2' predator apron around the perimeter of the coop. This will enable you to leave the pop door open year round for better ventilation.
I would remove the solid blocking between the rafters over the solid walled coop area on the front and rear walls and cover the openings with 1/2" hardware cloth. The front openings may also need louvers to prevent rain infiltration as your roof pitch is too steep to offer protection from the rain blowing in there.
I would also install some blocking around the floor pop door to keep some of the bedding in the coop. The chickens will scratch it right out through the floor opening.
Because this is a raised floor coop, it would be difficult to use poop boards to manage the nightly poop load.
Do you experience freezing temperatures where you are? You will need some way to prevent water from freezing if you do so you won't have to lug water to the coop several times a day.

 

[Big Doggie]

Nice coop!
If you don't already have one, install a 2' predator apron around the perimeter of the coop. This will enable you to leave the pop door open year round for better ventilation.
I would remove the solid blocking between the rafters over the solid walled coop area on the front and rear walls and cover the openings with 1/2" hardware cloth. The front openings may also need louvers to prevent rain infiltration as your roof pitch is too steep to offer protection from the rain blowing in there.
I would also install some blocking around the floor pop door to keep some of the bedding in the coop. The chickens will scratch it right out through the floor opening.
Because this is a raised floor coop, it would be difficult to use poop boards to manage the nightly poop load.
Do you experience freezing temperatures where you are? You will need some way to prevent water from freezing if you do so you won't have to lug water to the coop several times a day.

Dobie Lover.... Is it ok to leave the pop door open 24/7? Wouldn’t wind cause drafts?

 

[DobieLover]

Dobie Lover.... Is it ok to leave the pop door open 24/7? Wouldn’t wind cause drafts?

The wind shouldn't cause drafts. If you are concerned about wind blowing up, adding side and rear baffles below the floor around the opening will help to act as a wind block.

 

[aart]

Is that a floor door that I see?
If you wrap most the run in plastic that will cut down on wind.

Pic of coop wall that's under run roof would help.
Could put vents and pop door there.