JimmyThank you for the info, but it's the best I can do.
I've purchased the coop and it's the largest pre-fab one that I can afford, and that we have room for. I'm not a carpenter so it's out of the question for me to build one. We live on a 1/2 acre lot in a subdivision, so I'm trying to fly under the radar and be able to have these 4 chickens (3 will be full size, one will be 1/2 size - ISA Brown & Bantam).
I will create ventilation in the coop, and I'm sure there will also be cracks that allow air in/out. In the past 5 to 10 yrs weather isn't really an issue during the winter. I plan to let them out of the coop and into the pre-fab part of the run each day so they would only be in there at night (regardless of the weather). If I cover the sides with heavy clear plastic that should keep out 99% of the snow (except around any little cracks) and allow air to get in and out. The hens I got are said to be very hardy for living in the winter with absolutely no heat. I will decide this fall/winter if I somehow want to add a small heat source (i.e. maybe a 25 watt light bulb) in the coop or run.
It's still a TBD as to if they will be able to go out in the 8' additional run that I built. Guess it just depends on the weather/snowfall and how big the hens really get.
I do appreciate your input. Any other suggestions with what I have would be appreciated - but this is the coop and these are the 4 hens.
I too live in Michigan. SE Michigan to be more precise. Although we have had 2 mild winters in our state, that is no guarantee that any following winter won't be different. There have been plenty of days this past winter where conditions have been EXTREMELY cold. There was one day where school was closed due to wind chill temps being 30 below 0. Honestly though, the cold temperatures are not really the issue. Chickens do quite well in cold (unless they are molting and then need a heat lamp). The problem is moisture and the cramped quarters. Chickens need 3 sq. ft. per bird inside a coop. Chickens do not urinate. Most of their moisture comes out of their lungs when they breath. With the size of your coop, any ventilation that you add, will blow right across the hens as a constant draft. This draft issue, just like the moisture problem will cause another problem of respiratory illness. Cracks are not considered ventilation. Chickens often die from respiratory illnesses. In a climate like Michigan, a coop that tiny is just honestly a illness trap for the hens. If your coop were taller, then ventilation could be safely added. Not having ventilation will cause the serious frost issues and also respiratory disease, so it's a catch 22. I understand that you want these birds and this is the only coop you can manage, but you are setting these hens up for a very difficult life. I can tell you that if this coop is your only option for 4 hens even if one is smaller, it is not going to be sufficient. Your birds will suffer. I know you probably feel that you are being beat up upon, but you are being given very sound and real advice from people who know. As far as your chicken run is concerned. Your chickens will indeed be able to utilize that. And there is no reason why anyone would need to lock their chickens up in their "coop" during winter months. I never have. My hens actually free range all winter long and will even go into the snow if it's not too deep. But understand that the issue is with your coop. It is not and will not be adequate at all for Michigan. I'm sorry that you have already been suckered into buying it. The prefab companies don't care about the health of a bird, but instead the profit of a sale. You do have options though. You can hire a handy man to make you a better coop. Return your coop to Tractor Supply. If it has not been used yet, there should be absolutely no problem returning it. The cost you paid for that coop is probably more than what you would have to pay a handyman to build something sufficient and acceptable. My husband built my coop.
This is what $200 in supplies can build. I'd bet my 1st born child that you paid just about that amount if not more for your prefab:
There are a lot of skilled carpenters out of work in Michigan who would be happy to get a side job! I know that if you looked, you could find someone who would build you something much more humane. And even if you live in a sub on a 1/2 acre, in the state of Michigan, you don't need to fly under the radar. No city ordinance can prevent you from keeping chickens. Go to this link and scroll down to post #18 and become informed on that issue. I want you to be able to keep chickens because it is an extremely rewarding endeavor. Please take the advice that you have been given by myself and others here, and make a healthy humane life for your chickens.
Kelly
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