Frost on windows?

[bhawk-23]

Since you're all here anyways, I want to remove the 2X4 roosts inside the coop and add a couple branch ones since they definitely prefer those.

Also, I am wanting to convert the whole run into a year round coop. They get out everyday whether it is free ranging in the whole yard or out in a more secure(when we are gone for an entire day) fenced in 25' X 10' run. What is needed to turn it into a full functioning coop?

Thanks!

 

[Mtnboomer]

I keep a gravity waterer for cats in my coop for the chickens and it never spills.

I think you can improve the ventilation by just getting rid of the plastic. Most chicken breeds take the cold alright so long as they are dry. It is suppose to be 6F with windchill as low as -10 here for 3 days this weekend. I don't do anything special for my chickens when its this cold except replace their frozen water in the morning.

Unless you have a cold sensitive breed, i think you would be fine without the plastic.

 

[Mtnboomer]

Since you're all here anyways, I want to remove the 2X4 roosts inside the coop and add a couple branch ones since they definitely prefer those.

Also, I am wanting to convert the whole run into a year round coop. They get out everyday whether it is free ranging in the whole yard or out in a more secure(when we are gone for an entire day) fenced in 25' X 10' run. What is needed to turn it into a full functioning coop?

Thanks!

Im confused by what you mean by "full functioning?" Isnt a coop just a secure place to sleep and be protected from the elements while having a place to lay eggs? What other function would you like it to serve?

 

[bhawk-23]

Im confused by what you mean by "full functioning?" Isnt a coop just a secure place to sleep and be protected from the elements while having a place to lay eggs? What other function would you like it to serve?

Yes, you are technically correct.
I guess I picture an enclosed structure for a coop. I don't think we live in an area where completely open is good for year round. I am thinking I need to have removable walls or something to put on when the weather requires it and off for when it doesn't. I'm probably overthinking it

 

[3KillerBs]

Will the shavings be ok for the chickens?

Shavings are fine. They just don't last as long as the wood chips.

 

[Mtnboomer]

Yes, you are technically correct.
I guess I picture an enclosed structure for a coop. I don't think we live in an area where completely open is good for year round. I am thinking I need to have removable walls or something to put on when the weather requires it and off for when it doesn't. I'm probably overthinking it

So your coop currently is "completely open?" As in no walls? The photos looks like it already has solid walls so i was confused. Or are you talking about enclosing your run?

I love creative solutions but think the tried and true enclosed (ventilated) coop has been successful for a reason. However, that being said, a common coop here in Va is a "lincoln log" type structure of stacked logs without the "mudding" btw them. So the gaps between logs provides ventilation and are wired on the inside to prevent predator access. Appalachian coop going back centuries.

 

[RoosterML]

The ventilation in your coop looks sufficient.
Again keep in mine frost on the outside of the plastic and windows is fine. If frost is on the inside that’s another issue. Also take the plastic down more on your Southern facing wall.

 

[bhawk-23]

The ventilation in your coop looks sufficient.
Again keep in mine frost on the outside of the plastic and windows is fine. If frost is on the inside that’s another issue. Also take the plastic down more on your Southern facing wall.

That sounds reassuring, thank you. I was worried about the ventilation. We only went off "specs" and no real life practice/experience.

So your coop currently is "completely open?" As in no walls? The photos looks like it already has solid walls so i was confused. Or are you talking about enclosing your run?

I love creative solutions but think the tried and true enclosed (ventilated) coop has been successful for a reason. However, that being said, a common coop here in Va is a "lincoln log" type structure of stacked logs without the "mudding" btw them. So the gaps between logs provides ventilation and are wired on the inside to prevent predator access. Appalachian coop going back centuries.

Yes, I am referring to turning the whole structure into a large coop since they have yet to be locked in it for an entire day. We are boring people and I pretty much never leave for more than a few hours only a few times a week. Lol if that ever changes then we (ahem, hubs...) can modify again. Hahaha

 

[bhawk-23]

So it was REALLY cold last night and even colder coming up. I just couldn't leave well enough alone.
I did hold off on a heater, for now. But I did move all the ladies off their outside perches into the coop so all 11 were inside. All vents open and pop door always stays open. It was dark so they did settle in well enough. When I woke the thermometer said 23 degrees and it was 11 degrees outside. But all the chickens had moved out into the run already. No frost on the windows at all! So I felt much better that the coop seemed to stay in the twenties. I'll do that for this -10 wind-chill at night for the weekend and then let them chose again when it gets back to normal. I really hope I am better at this next year because this cold weather is really stressing me out

Edit to add I have set a humidity gauge in the coop to help minister. What is a good level? Or more importantly, what is too high?
Thanks!

 

[Sally PB]

The humidity should be about the same as it is outside. You can't really dehumidify it, but an open waterer, or any other source of water, can raise the humidity. You don't want that. Dry chickens are warm chickens.