- Thread starter
- #6
Guisso14
In the Brooder
- Sep 23, 2018
- 29
- 34
- 39
I have a fairly large vent at the top of the coop and my run is mostly covered in. I have unlimited access to woodchips so I keep it topped up for them. Havent had any problems with frost yet. The only night it got really cold I left the heat lamp on. Basically it seems if its lower than -15 c it might be a good idea to have the lamp on. r
I live in Maine. I had my birds outside at -9F one morning eating breakfast. Them, not me, at that temp. My birds have done fine at -20F a couple of nights. The thing is to keep the wind off them. I have my run totally covered with a clear tarp. I think you should have more ventilation. If you see moisture on your walls or ceiling in the coop that means you need more ventilation. Moisture is what causes frostbite. Their exhalations are what builds up moisture along with their poops. Although at -20F poops don't emit much for very long. KWIM. My coop is prefab and not isolated. I have a good layer of pine shaving on the floor. My birds sleep in the nest boxes because they mostly lay overnight. That way they don't have to move during the night. Yes they poop in the nest boxes. I clean the poop out in the morning. Much easier in the winter because it's usually frozen. I make sure their crops are full at bedtime; that helps them stay warm at night. Someone posted a pic here of her chickens with their heads tucked under their wings. To keep their combs warm. I check combs every morning. Cool but not cold. No frostbite yet.
So in the morning check the walls and ceiling for moisture that is your's and your chickens enemy in the cold. If you see or feel moisture you need more ventilation. High up; warm air rises. Good luck.