Coop open or closed in the cold?

[Sally PB]

I use plastic lawnchairs upside down.

Then if I want to sit with the chickens I flip one over and have a clean place to park for a while.

I borrowed this idea. It works very well!

 

[Luvmycluckers6]

Maybe put in a chair or a small table-- they can hide underneath or sit on top, but the legs don't take up much space at ground level. (Obviously, use one that you would otherwise be ready to throw away, because of what will happen to it in a chicken pen!)

 

[Uphillfarmswinthrop]

I use plastic lawnchairs upside down.

Then if I want to sit with the chickens I flip one over and have a clean place to park for a while.

View attachment 2952645

The chickens perch on top of them, dig dust baths under them, and chase each other around them.

Awesome idea!

 

[PopoMyers]

I've had raccoon carnage, so I am more careful about closing them in at night. If I am outside, or there is more human activity and noise daytime, I let them roam the open yard daylight hours. My current run is 600 sq. ft, 4' fenced, with aviary netting over. We are taking back some of the yard, and shrinking their run to make a larger dry area with roofing overhead, and totally fenced in for predator exclusion, so that I can leave the door open for them.

 

[linguini]

Run completed and now my hens will only briefly spend time in the run, some not even leaving the coop.

They may need a few days to get comfortable to go out to the run

I also noticed that they are extra puffed up with the door open (it's rather cold out right now).

What's the size of the door? Human size? or chicken size?

I've learned that temp is not a big issue for our chickens, but they are not fond of wind. If it's a windy day (e.g. > 10mph), they often would rather stay in.

If you have a human size door, you may consider making a curtain that covers up the top part of the door to reduce the size of the entrance to a chicken size, this way the air can flow, but no windy draft can go in the coop, and they are free to choose to stay in or go out during the day.

We have a human size door - but I'd like to leave the entrance open so chickens have the option to go in or out. I used a straw beach mat to make a "wind blocker" at the door so I can crack the door open and still block the wind!

 

[Happy hen lover]

I use plastic lawnchairs upside down.

Then if I want to sit with the chickens I flip one over and have a clean place to park for a while.

View attachment 2952645

The chickens perch on top of them, dig dust baths under them, and chase each other around them.

I love this idea!. Always clean seat! Great place for littles to hide.