Help a rookie with her first winter (MN)! Pic heavy!

[LateBirdFarms]

Don't give in to straw bales! They make fantastic nests for rats and mice, especially with the temptation of the smell of chicken feed close by. Unless you've got some pretty amazing rodent proofing, I wouldnt suggest storing bales near anything that you want to keep the little pests out of.

Heres a fantastic article that might make you feel a bit better about keeping chickens in colder weather:

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

 

[Gooseface]

Here is where I was thinking. On both sides of the shed. The very top board under that overhang.

 

[MommA2K]

I would stay away from adding windows. I would take out boards if you could below the soffit overhang and cover it in hardware cloth.

Should I cover up the other actual window on the back wall of the shed then? I want to keep it warm, but allow for air to get in. I just don’t know what that fine line is!

 

[Gooseface]

Should I cover up the other actual window on the back wall of the shed then? I want to keep it warm, but allow for air to get in. I just don’t know what that fine line is!

I wouldn’t worry about that. If you have good ventilation up top you can just close the window for the winter. Then you won’t want to worry about snow getting in.

 

[Gooseface]

I’m sure @aart will have some suggestions too!

 

[MommA2K]

I wouldn’t worry about that. If you have good ventilation up top you can just close the window for the winter. Then you won’t want to worry about snow getting in.

That’s what my husband said, he didn’t want snow getting in. I’ll be sure to not mention that part to him thank you for all your help!

 

[aembry1]

Are they similar to this? This is the one I own. Sounds alike! You’ve had good luck with them I take it? Does it actually stay warm?

Attached is a picture of mine. I bought 2 of them. The price was reasonable.

 

[LateBirdFarms]

That’s what my husband said, he didn’t want snow getting in. I’ll be sure to not mention that part to him thank you for all your help!

Well, the solution there is to go tell hubby that you've thought it out, and YOU think the best solution is to close the window, YOU don't want snow getting in after all! Does your shed have any ventilation in the roof at all? (Not sure if I missed that answer)

 

[MommA2K]

Well, the solution there is to go tell hubby that you've thought it out, and YOU think the best solution is to close the window, YOU don't want snow getting in after all! Does your shed have any ventilation in the roof at all? (Not sure if I missed that answer)

No it doesn’t, the only “ventilation” that the shed has is a hole in the back wall that I refer to as a window (even though there’s no glass) and the front door that isn’t attached at this time.

 

[RojoMarz]

No it doesn’t, the only “ventilation” that the shed has is a hole in the back wall that I refer to as a window (even though there’s no glass) and the front door that isn’t attached at this time.

If too much snow/wind/whatever is getting in via the window, put a furnace filter in the window to block...but air will still pass thru.