First time keeping chickens in winter!

[Farmergyrl23]

Hello, we live in northeast Pennsylvania and this will be our first year keeping chickens through the winter. We have 5 chickens that are around 4 months old. I've included a picture of their coop, the front windows are made out of plexi glass and the side is covered with wire and opened up for the summer but we have since boarded that side up to keep the wind and cold out. Is there anything else we should be preparing for? Do they need a heat lamp or other heat source to keep them warm and healthy throughout the winter season? Thanks in advance!

 

[TrystInn]

I don't see ventilation anywhere. Is it on another side the picture doesn't show?

 

[peterlund]

OK... THAT is a beautiful coop! As for heat, I don't think yu get ultra cold there in North PA, so I think as long as the birds are feathered out, draft free and fed enough, they will be fine.... DId I mention that was a beautiful coop!?!
Nice job!!!

 

[Kevin565]

Beautiful Coop

. As for heating as long as they have all their adult feathers they should be fine. Just to be safe you could add a extra layer of bedding for them.

 

[CheerioLounge]

Draft free but well ventilated so no moisture builds up. Added heat is not neccessary.

 

[Farmergyrl23]

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Yes there is ventiliation, although I don't have a picture of it. It's up in the top on both sides, we have the sides enclosed with wire.

 

[Farmergyrl23]

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Thank you! My husband built it.

 

[peterlund]

By the way... THere is a gap in the door on the right.... Are you sure no little writhe, determined, chicken loving critter can get in there???
P.S. I moved my sofa from my living room and want your coop in there....

 

[Farmergyrl23]

Quote:
Yes, on that side it was enclosed with wire and the the side opened up for the summer, we have since taken that door off and added the "winter door" so no gaps for little critters or drafts to give my little chickens a chill!

LOL! Inside it has the nesting boxes on the left side and a branch from a tree that goes from one side to the other, the chickens love hoping up on it.

Heres a picture of that side, of course the chickens were much smaller than they are now

 

[The Old Whittler]

Nice coop!!!