Coop Winterization

[Sstuder]

This our first winter with chickens in NJ. We do not want ti be unprepared so we are installing our clear vinyl sheets in the covered run. We used 30 g clear marine vinyl, secured with 3/8 grommets to a vood strip. I recycled some old horse blanket straps so we can install the sheets ahead of time and roll them up in place. So far it seems a good system, let’s see how it holds up this winter.

 

[21hens-incharge]

I really like that vinyl!

It looks good to me.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

You'll jist want remember they need ventilation. Great idea though

 

[Sstuder]

You'll jist want remember they need ventilation. Great idea though

Yes, that was taken into consideration. There are vents in the enclosed area and it is NOT airtight. There are gaps at the top for this purpose and there is a large opening to the roofed area that can be left open so air will exit through the ridge vent.

 

[Gallena]

This our first winter with chickens in NJ. We do not want ti be unprepared so we are installing our clear vinyl sheets in the covered run. We used 30 g clear marine vinyl, secured with 3/8 grommets to a vood strip. I recycled some old horse blanket straps so we can install the sheets ahead of time and roll them up in place. So far it seems a good system, let’s see how it holds up this winter.

I would think you might benefit by adding some black painted water jugs which would collect heat in the sun during the day and then release it slowly, during the night. You must get enough sun however to heat the water in the jugs so they don't freeze. Concrete cinder blocks could also work. Concept heat in the day with sun and slow release that heat during the night into the coop. Let me know if you try this and if it works for you and the birds

 

[Sstuder]

I would think you might benefit by adding some black painted water jugs which would collect heat in the sun during the day and then release it slowly, during the night. You must get enough sun however to heat the water in the jugs so they don't freeze. Concrete cinder blocks could also work. Concept heat in the day with sun and slow release that heat during the night into the coop. Let me know if you try this and if it works for you and the birds

Very interesting concept! The run has sand that would possibly also act the same way, and I could also use some cinder blocks to double as roost post bases.... lots of good ideas!

 

[21hens-incharge]

Proper venting means warmer air moves up and out. The goal is not to heat the space since proper venting will remove any heat anyway. The goal should be to keep strong wind and rain or snow out.

Chickens wear down coats to stay warm.

 

[Sstuder]

Proper venting means warmer air moves up and out. The goal is not to heat the space since proper venting will remove any heat anyway. The goal should be to keep strong wind and rain or snow out.

Chickens wear down coats to stay warm.

So if there is enough air going up and out it should be sufficient? Roof has ridge vent and eaves vents and coop has vents up near the ceiling. I also have the option to simply move down the vinyl sheets leaving an open space at the top. Not sure if it will be necessary since this is my first winter. Main purpose of the vinyl sheets is to protect from rain and snow and winds.

 

[21hens-incharge]

So if there is enough air going up and out it should be sufficient? Roof has ridge vent and eaves vents and coop has vents up near the ceiling. I also have the option to simply move down the vinyl sheets leaving an open space at the top. Not sure if it will be necessary since this is my first winter. Main purpose of the vinyl sheets is to protect from rain and snow and winds.

On the coops I covered a side in tarps or plastic I.leave one entire side open. For me that is the south side open ad North side covered.

Having it adjustable is extremely handy.

In your set up.....how do you keep it from catching the wind when you unroll it?

 

[aart]

In your set up.....how do you keep it from catching the wind when you unroll it?

Was wondering the same....and how easily it might unroll in freezing temps.