Drafts and temperature

[Rick&Chris]

At what temperature should we be concerned about drafts? Wondering how cold outside it can get before I close the little door (the run is secure from predators).

The roost is located above the chicken door on the rear wall (door is on the side) and has ventilation at the peaks (both sides). This is my first full winter with my girls - they went into the coop last February and I kept them locked inside the coop overnight until I got up. They are larger now and I know they won’t be happy inside until 7am.

 

[Clairenh]

You could look at this: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/winter-coop-temperatures.47763/

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I don't start to think about drafts until it gets below freezing here. Any sustained drafts can chill a bird especially on the roosts where they can't move away easily.

I keep open doorways. Those that face east and south here are usually okay. My bantam pop hole faces north so I put a bale of hay at an angle to block drafts. If it gets really windy with snow blowing in I close it up.

So when it's windy out go stand by the roosts and see if it feels drafty to you. Air should move and be exchanged, but it shouldn't feel drafty.

 

[Rick&Chris]

Thank you both! Very helpful!! I’m winterizing the run tomorrow - the north and west side. South will stay open. I’ll keep the pop door open until it’s really cold - it is on the east side and opens to the covered run. I was thinking about putting sheets of plastic to block it some while it’s milder. Or maybe building a hallway for them to walk thru.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I used to build a tunnel out of hay bales for my bantams to go through. We have since switched to putting up clear roof panels to keep the snow mostly out and help to block winds. There are sufficient gaps so there's still good ventilation. No more shoveling out the run every time it snows for me.

 

[aart]

You may never have to close it.
Depends on how the winds blow (haha!)
I'm guessing with as sheltered as your run is, it won't be an issue.
I think I remember your coop and run...
....would be good if you had a coop page so we could take a peek

 

[Rick&Chris]

You may never have to close it.
Depends on how the winds blow (haha!)
I'm guessing with as sheltered as your run is, it won't be an issue.
I think I remember your coop and run...
....would be good if you had a coop page so we could take a peek

Oooh! A coop page! Here is a sneak peek! How do I make a page??

 

[aart]

Oooh! A coop page! Here is a sneak peek! How do I make a page??

Go here and click the blue 'create article' button near the top of page:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/

There might be a guide here to help:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forums/announcements-feedback-issues-guides.3/?prefix_id=3

 

[Ridgerunner]

I suggest you read this article. I may not totally agree with everything Alaskan says but there is a lot of good practical hands-on knowledge there.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/cold-weather-poultry-housing-and-care.72010/

I personally don't like the word draft in this context. When I see "draft" I think of holding a candle next to a window in the house to see if there is any movement of the flame or smoke. That kind of draft is actually good, it helps promote exchanging good air for bad. What you want to avoid is a breeze strong enough to ruffle feathers. They keep warm by trapping tiny air pockets in their down and feathers, that's what makes a down jacket such a good insulator.

Wind chill is also a thing, especially if there is any moisture involved. Moisture without a breeze can increase frostbite risks. That's why they need to be dry. You are not likely to be out there when the wind is whistling and the pop door is closed to judge those conditions. I doubt you could fit in that coop. If you have adequate ventilation I'd close that pop door anytime it's below freezing, especially if that pop door is directly below the roosts. To me that's a disadvantage of a small coop, you don't have much flexibility to do things. (Rant over) But you have what you have and you can make it work.

Or do you have a droppings board that keeps those breezes off of them on the roost? That's kind of the idea of the Woods Coop design. Create a dead air space for them to roost but leave the rest open enough to get good ventilation.

Do the best you can. I personally like openings above heir heads when they are on the roosts so any breezes going through pass them by. If that cupola is ventilated, well that is great. I can't tell if you have a ridge vent or gable vents or not. You might be in great shape.

 

[Club cramahe coop]

I have a question , not sure if I should put it here or start a new post. It’s kinda related. I hear a lot about thinking about keeping them dry with adequate ventilation. I am hoping I have enough ventilation and should be ok for large drafts. My question is about humidity. I am assuming , if if didn’t have enough ventilation , I would basically have chickens giving off moisture and making them and the coop damp. Is there a humidity that should be maintained to prevent this ???