Enclosing coop for winter

[Pegasusi]

I had originally posted this in response to a newcomer's question on the introduction forum but thought I would share on a more topic specific forum for those who might be interested.

"As a architectural and interior designer with an extensive background in construction, I am always looking for alternative solutions to problems.....here is what I am planning to do to enclose my coop:

Clear Marine Vinyl, comes in 30 and 40 gauge (select for your weather conditons)- the 20 gauge is useless for anything other that rain.
https://www.marinevinylfabric.com/p...PW70yOakOS3BoCWr0QAvD_BwE&variant=26970937926

2" Nylon Strapping
http://www.strapworks.com/ProductDe...pj-EDfg1vHFLZLqfFqMXnR9CGO2XLE2BoCsJoQAvD_BwE

Hardware: Cloth to Wood Snaps
http://www.sailrite.com/Snap-Fastener-Cloth-to-Surface-Silver-Button-3-8-Screw-Stud

I am going to cut the vinyl to fit the frame of each of the coop's hardware cloth panels. Take the cut vinyl panels to a shoe shop/cobbler (generally more cost effective than an upholsterer) and have them envelop the edges of each vinyl sheet with the nylon strapping. This will provide an inch of the nylon strapping on the front and the back and add stability to attach the closing snap hardware. I will have the cobbler attach the female member of the snap at each corner and pre-determined spacing on the sides, top and bottom. Once I have the finished vinyl panels, I will mark and screw the male member of the snaps to the coop/run's wood framed hardware cloth panels. For ease of installation for future years, I recommend that each vinyl panel is numbered with a corresponding number permanently marked on the coop/run panels. I would also note the top/bottom of each vinyl panel. These can be used over and over for many years and roll up for easy and space saving storage. DO NOT FOLD!"

I would also like to add that the above method allows ample air flow which can also be varied as needed by unsnapping a corner of one or more panels and can also be easily removed on unseasonable warm days. I live at the coast and the nightly lows average in the low to mid 30s only dipping to the teens a few nights a year but coastal areas are a cold damp and windy....cuts right to the bone!

 

[cavemanrich]

Very nice way to protect from severe weather while still maintaining outdoor light into coop. Depending on the square footage needed for coop, and the cobbler services to pay, This may get slightly pricey. I plan on building a new coop next year. It will be somewhat larger than existing one, but not huge. (I only keep chickens as pets). I have acquired some new (free) vinyl windows that I will use. I will build coop to the size my windows designate. The hardware cloth will stay permanently attached to outside.
Your idea is great for someone wanting to weatherproof their existing coop.
WISHING YOU BEST.......

 

[Sunshine Flock]

Having crewed on yachts, I know exactly what you're talking about. I think this would be great for chicken coop windows. Where we live, however, wildlife is a constant threat, so we would need something they can't tear through, like glass or lexan.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

Will you post pictures when your project is complete? Please and thank you!

 

[Flock In Texas]

I plan to put plexiglass on my door over the hardware cloth for the winter. If the upper vents let out too much heat, I may wrap them partially with shrink wrap for the winter. I don't want to cut off ventilation, but just minimize the heat loss with a smaller vent up top.

And yes, that dog is harassing my chickens. She is my sons dog and will be leaving next week now that his deployment is over. The chickens will be free to roam again all day every day when she leaves.

 

[Pegasusi]

Having crewed on yachts, I know exactly what you're talking about. I think this would be great for chicken coop windows. Where we live, however, wildlife is a constant threat, so we would need something they can't tear through, like glass or lexan.

You could attach the marine vinyl panels on the inside of the hardware cloth (interior of coop) rather than the outside.

 

[Pegasusi]

Very nice way to protect from severe weather while still maintaining outdoor light into coop. Depending on the square footage needed for coop, and the cobbler services to pay, This may get slightly pricey. I plan on building a new coop next year. It will be somewhat larger than existing one, but not huge. (I only keep chickens as pets). I have acquired some new (free) vinyl windows that I will use. I will build coop to the size my windows designate. The hardware cloth will stay permanently attached to outside.
Your idea is great for someone wanting to weatherproof their existing coop.
WISHING YOU BEST.......

For reusable options the cost is minimal. 30 gauge vinyl is 54" wide at a price of $10 a yard and the cobbler quoted me a price of $0.10 a linear foot to band and $0.25 per female snap attachment. For my purposes, the reusability, easy installation and removabiity, easy storage, being able to adjust coverage as needed for weather and humidity, clear window like quality and not having to buy and staple new plastic sheeting every year is a win-win for me saving both time and money over the product's usable lifespan. I only have a medium sized coop and run but my cost will be less $120. I estimate a minimum of 6 season's use at a cost of $20 a year. Just an idea for members to consider.

 

[Pegasusi]

Will you post pictures when your project is complete? Please and thank you!

Be happy to!

 

[junebuggena]

It should be mentioned that the last thing you should ever do to a chicken coop is to close it up completely. Ventilation is just as important in cold weather as it is in hot weather. The biggest mistake beginners make is sealing up a coop with the notion of holding in the body heat to keep the chickens warmer. This usually results in respiratory illness and/or frostbite.

 

[cavemanrich]

View attachment 1177511 I plan to put plexiglass on my door over the hardware cloth for the winter. If the upper vents let out too much heat, I may wrap them partially with shrink wrap for the winter. I don't want to cut off ventilation, but just minimize the heat loss with a smaller vent up top.

And yes, that dog is harassing my chickens. She is my sons dog and will be leaving next week now that his deployment is over. The chickens will be free to roam again all day every day when she leaves.

Really nice coop. Here are just a few observations/thoughts.
You are in Texas, so severe cold is not issue. I personally would not block any ventilation, except maybe during severe weather like hurricane. Temporarily as well, until it passed. I see the roost is well below the vents, so that is ideal. Only thing to avoid is direct wind and drafts. Gentle air movement to vent the air and moisture is what is sought after. As long as the chickens feathers are not ruffled by air movement, that is the goal. Is the open eves area protected with hardware cloth? Raccoons are everywhere in our nation, and I see them entering thru there with no sweat. Yes, they can chew hardware cloth , but not likely to devote that much effort and they will move on to something easier.
As to dogs, you may consider some like mine from my Iditarod Team.

Both are RESCUES. They get along with my cats as well.
WISHING YOU BEST......