How to put light in Formex Snap lock coop?

[Irish89rmf]

I'm prepping for winter here in Upstate NY. This is my first time raising chickens and I've gotten great info from this site. I have a dog kennel, 10/10 with roof and a Formex chicken coop inside. Our winters can get pretty cold here and I was wondering if anyone with one of these coops has installed a light in it and how they did it? I'm thinking tarps on two sides of the kennel, back side is against my barn and leave the front open.

I've got six hens living in this setup. During they day, they free range in my fenced in yard. Thanks for any suggestions.

Bob

 

[3riverschick]

If it was me I think I would pile bales of hay around the outside of the coop to insulate it more. Like building a hay igloo around the plastic Coop. you could try screwing light in. I don't think I try and adhesive
Karen

 

[aart]

I'm prepping for winter here in Upstate NY. This is my first time raising chickens and I've gotten great info from this site. I have a dog kennel, 10/10 with roof and a Formex chicken coop inside. Our winters can get pretty cold here and I was wondering if anyone with one of these coops has installed a light in it and how they did it? I'm thinking tarps on two sides of the kennel, back side is against my barn and leave the front open.

I've got six hens living in this setup. During they day, they free range in my fenced in yard. Thanks for any suggestions.

Bob

Welcome to BYC!
A light for supplemental lighting to keep them laying thru winter.....
....or a heat lamp to keep them warm??

Wind block for run sides is good.
Leaving front open may be fine...or not, may depend on your weather patterns.
Is there a mesh or soild roof on kennel?
Think 'snowload'.

 

[Irish89rmf]

The roof is not mesh, it is a waterproof tarp material that is sloped. I will have to keep an eye on it.

The light was potentially for heat and laying, although I'm rethinking both. I've read many people don't heat coop at all. I will have to have a heater for water.

 

[aart]

What size Formex coop do you have...might not be room for any kind of light.
Laying light needs a timer too.

 

[Irish89rmf]

I've got the large coop.

 

[aart]

So, this one?:
http://snaplockchickencoops.com/big-coop.html

Looks like this inside?:

 

[Irish89rmf]

Yes. Chickens love the coop.

 

[aart]

That's mighty tight quarters for 6 birds in your climate.
Not much, if any, room for a light.
Is the only way to access the inside of coop by removing the roof section?
I assume the feed and water is out in the run?

 

[Irish89rmf]

Much larger inside than it looks. All six of my hens roost on one bar. I do keep food and water outside. I also only have two of the bars in to roost on, so I plan on having water inside during the winter. Food will be outside under the coop.