extreme cold and ventilation - I think I know where we messed up.

[Fernwehh]

So my coop in summer is in the photograph. Ventilation is well above the top of the chickens heads. We've been having temperatures ranging from -20 to -40 Celsius for the past two weeks. During the -35 weather my boyfriend was insistent on covering the vents with some thick cotton. We have a SIlver Lace Wyandotte with some black on its wattle and the two beilfelders have whitened combs. I'm thinking it's the reduced (pretty much eliminated) ventilation because the day after he added the cloth the windows turned white and there was frost in the inside of the coop. I'm so frustrated because he refused to listen to me in this. Lots of people in our area go without heat but ventilation is key. I knew this but he can be so stubborn.
More info : the coop is fully insulated. We have silver lace wyandottes, blue and blue wheaten ameraucana and two beilfelders. We need to tarp off the run but he keeps saying it will be an eyesore

 

[pennyJo1960]

So my coop in summer is in the photograph. Ventilation is well above the top of the chickens heads. We've been having temperatures ranging from -20 to -40 Celsius for the past two weeks. During the -35 weather my boyfriend was insistent on covering the vents with some thick cotton. We have a SIlver Lace Wyandotte with some black on its wattle and the two beilfelders have whitened combs. I'm thinking it's the reduced (pretty much eliminated) ventilation because the day after he added the cloth the windows turned white and there was frost in the inside of the coop. I'm so frustrated because he refused to listen to me in this. Lots of people in our area go without heat but ventilation is key. I knew this but he can be so stubborn.
More info : the coop is fully insulated. We have silver lace wyandottes, blue and blue wheaten ameraucana and two beilfelders. We need to tarp off the run but he keeps saying it will be an eyesore

Your right Ventilation keeps back frostbite him covering it defeats the purpose take the cotton out. My humble opinion

 

[Fernwehh]

Your right Ventilation keeps back frostbite him covering it defeats the purpose take the cotton out. My humble opinion

It's out now! Still have three birds with frostbite and really unsure how to treat it with how dang cold it is here. It'll be a shock to them to go from inside to back outside at these temps

 

[Fernwehh]

Just posted in the emergencies forum because I think this fits there too.

 

[Windrider]

For tarping off the run, you can use something clear if he is worried it will be an eyesore. The clear roofing panels work well, and some here have even found a very cheap solution using clear shower curtains.

You really just need it for a wind block.

 

[Sammster]

I understand his heart was in the right place, but, yes - you need the ventilation. Good that you added it to the emergency section. Hope your girls heal, quickly

 

[BDutch]

It's out now! Still have three birds with frostbite and really unsure how to treat it with how dang cold it is here. It'll be a shock to them to go from inside to back outside at these temps

Use Vaseline / petroleum jelly on the comb and maybe a bit on the legs too.

 

[Justso]

There's so many of us who have made this mistake! It's okay, your chickens will be fine. I agree with the Vaseline. I personally don't tarp off the run but I will provide a wind block for them. This can be as simple as a wood pallet stood up or sometimes I'll put up plastic on one side of the run where the wind hits.

 

[linguini]

We need to tarp off the run but he keeps saying it will be an eyesore

Sigh! We've long given in to eye sore structures in exchange for happy chickens (and happy us), but not sure about how happy the neighbors are.....

On the other hand, your coop and run are a beautiful combo! Perhaps you can use clear poly corrugated panel for internal roof, and marine vinyl to cover the sides, leave some space for ventilation or use marine vinyl to cover up the top!

 

[aart]

Use Vaseline / petroleum jelly on the comb and maybe a bit on the legs too.

No, do not do this leave hands off before and after FB.

So my coop in summer is in the photograph. Ventilation is well above the top of the chickens heads. We've been having temperatures ranging from -20 to -40 Celsius for the past two weeks. During the -35 weather my boyfriend was insistent on covering the vents with some thick cotton. We have a SIlver Lace Wyandotte with some black on its wattle and the two beilfelders have whitened combs. I'm thinking it's the reduced (pretty much eliminated) ventilation because the day after he added the cloth the windows turned white and there was frost in the inside of the coop. I'm so frustrated because he refused to listen to me in this. Lots of people in our area go without heat but ventilation is key. I knew this but he can be so stubborn.
More info : the coop is fully insulated. We have silver lace wyandottes, blue and blue wheaten ameraucana and two beilfelders. We need to tarp off the run but he keeps saying it will be an eyesore

Even with great ventilation, those temps almost guarantee FB.