How to keep the coop warm?

[Annalyse]

We installed a second window in the coop and this one is able to open so in the summer they have airflow and a breeze and gave them another vent bc of winter they need more air flow but now the coop is not as warm as it usually is. I'm gonna be adding on the bedding with straw but is there anything I can do to keep it a little bit warmer for when winter hits.

 

[PioneerChicks]

I recommend the deep litter method. Deep Litter Method The Easiest Way To Deal With Chicken Litter Dlm

This is what I do in winter: How To Overwinter Chickens Naturally

 

[Annalyse]

Thank you. Yea I've check out the deep litter method but I'm not gonna start that until the first fall of snow comes rn I can still clean without freezing to death. I will check out the other link as well thank you again.

 

[aart]

We installed a second window in the coop and this one is able to open so in the summer they have airflow and a breeze and gave them another vent bc of winter they need more air flow but now the coop is not as warm as it usually is. I'm gonna be adding on the bedding with straw but is there anything I can do to keep it a little bit warmer for when winter hits.

With adequate ventilation, inside the coop should be about the same temp and humidity as outside the coop. They will be fine at colder temps, unless you have tiny seramas or frizzles.
Is this your first winter?
First winter can sure be nervous making, but remember... they are wearing down coats.

I recommend the deep litter method. Deep Litter Method The Easiest Way To Deal With Chicken Litter Dlm

That is not deep litter, it is deep bedding and will not make the coop warmer.

The terms 'deep litter' and 'deep bedding' are often misunderstood and misapplied.
I've always liked this explanation:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...-method-with-this-coop.1075545/#post-16440037

 

[21hens-incharge]

I agree with aart.

Having a dry, draft free coop with lots of ventilation is far better than trying to keep a coop warm. Condensation in heated coops settles on chickens combs and wattles leading to increased cases of painful frostbite.

I monitor inside humidity and outside humidity. My goal is to have them match. If inside humidity is more than 5% above outside humidity I open windows and clean the coop.

Each bird is already wearing a down coat. If they have been allowed to acclimate to the weather changes they have grown new/additional feathers to keep them warm.

 

[PioneerChicks]

With adequate ventilation, inside the coop should be about the same temp and humidity as outside the coop. They will be fine at colder temps, unless you have tiny seramas or frizzles.
Is this your first winter?
First winter can sure be nervous making, but remember... they are wearing down coats.

That is not deep litter, it is deep bedding and will not make the coop warmer.

The terms 'deep litter' and 'deep bedding' are often misunderstood and misapplied.
I've always liked this explanation:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...-method-with-this-coop.1075545/#post-16440037

Yes, I use the deep litter method. Not the deep bedding method. So does the article. Art least, according to your link.

 

[Annalyse]

Thanks for the replies. Yes this is my first winter and I'm very nervous bc I dont want my babies getting frostbite. Were fixing up this one spot bc we've noticed its gaining moisture on the wall and looks damp so we will be getting that fixed shortly. I dont have a drizzle but I have 1 silkie and mostly nervous for her and my rooster who has a comb bigger than him. I have a orpington who will do just fine, 2 plymouths which I think will be fine, an Australorp who will be fine and and starlight green Eggers I think will be fine idk lol. The inside of the coop is usually now around 40-degrees depends the temp on the outside. Anything else I didnt answer?

 

[21hens-incharge]

Can you post pics of your coop so we can see the ventilation and the damp area?

Pics inside and out really help.

 

[Annalyse]

Can you post pics of your coop so we can see the ventilation and the damp area?

Pics inside and out really help.

Yess I definitely will I'm in a class right now so when I get a chance to I'll take some pics

 

[aart]

Yes, I use the deep litter method. Not the deep bedding method. So does the article.

The article you linked:

. Deep Litter Method The Easiest Way To Deal With Chicken Litter Dlm

.....is nothing more than pine shavings and DE.....that is not Deep Litter(which more than acouple dry ingredients and moisture to actually compost in place). NFM.