Coops in Winter?

[quercus21]

Our coop is small and well insulated and has no electric. The bedding is 4 - 6" thick of wood chips and droppings. They have access to the out doors all winter long during the day, and closed up at night. Their water usually gets a good crust of ice, but that is changed twice a day. The rooster had minor frost bit on the very tips of his comb last winter. We'll see how they do this winter.

 

[cluckcluck42]

Hi guys, thanks for the posts! I am in eastern Ontario, our winters are pretty bad. Last year was a decent one, but this one might be a bad one, time will tell.

So, update, there IS electricity in the shed!! I was told there wasn't but there is a light and two light sockets. There is about a foot at the top of the shed that is open to provide ventilation. I was excited about that because it will make it a lot more airy in there for the gals but hopefully won't be too cold. The roof overlaps with the space so it doesn't look like too much wind can get in.


What specifically do you use to heat the chickens in winter?

I'm also trying to figure out how to keep the hens laying into winter, is it as simple as keeping the light on in the coop until later at night?

I am soooo excited to get my chickens, looks like I will be getting two easter egg hens, a rooster and then possibly some RIRs. The rooster is not very friendly apparently, but he will get his chance to be a nice boy or he will make us a delicious Sunday dinner.

 

[cluckcluck42]

Quote:
Thanks for the pics!! I am in Eastern ontario.

I am going to be shoveling around the shed, opening the door during the warmest part of the day and maybe putting some scratch around to encourage them to get out and get some air. Who knows, maybe they will love the snow or look at me like I am a crazy person.

Do you still get eggs in the winter?