Is this Coop okay for Winter?

[lloydrosell]

I have two windows on each side that are right next to a popular roosting pole (there are three inside). I worry about my chickens getting too cold at night. Should I cover one or both windows up or leave them open for ventilation. I'm trying out the deep litter method, if that makes a difference. Currently, it doesn't smell bad at all! Also, in Kansas City, where it hasn't been too cold yet, but we definitely will have a few single digit days (if not below zero) this winter.

Thanks for helping me through my first winter with chickens!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

What direction is the vents facing? I generally close off vents that face the prevailing winds in winter and I leave my south and east ones open. I don't close off any vents until temperatures fall below freezing. An inside picture of your coop may help.

 

[lloydrosell]

The two windows are facing east and west.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I might close off the west one for the winter, but we have a bit different climate here. Hopefully someone closer to your location will give some advice. You want good ventilation but no drafts, and the vent right there by the roosts would be considered a draft.

 

[junebuggena]

I'd make a cover for those vents/windows, hinged at the top so that you can prop them open for ventilation, but keep out wind and rain.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I'd make a cover for those vents/windows, hinged at the top so that you can prop them open for ventilation, but keep out wind and rain.

That's smart, I didn't even think of that.

 

[aart]

I don't see how those birds even get up on the roosts?
How many birds in there?
Are those 2 windows the only ventilation?

 

[blackdog043]

Your water is gonna freeze in those cups. Do you have a different waterer than pictured, for winter? Where are you using deep litter? I would take that roost bar out of the center, your windows will need to be open for ventilation.

 

[nminusyplusm]

It looks really crowded especially since the entrance is on the bottom. What is the square footage minus the entrance hole?

And definitely do top hinged windows or something else at least temporarily until the roosts are located in a protected spot. I wouldn't keep the roosts in that position relative to the window vents. I had one of my chickens die as a result of leaving a window open just a crack when I was very ill and didn't get out there to close it during an unexpected storm.

 

[lloydrosell]

I'm glad I asked. I can easily make some hinged window flaps (wooden). I am new to chicken owning so I searched for coop plans. Several places recommended the plans for this coop, so I followed it exactly. I actually added the other roosting poles because I didn't like the only one being by the window. They get up and down just fine. I could drill some more holes for ventilation, just wasn't sure where...

I have three chickens (one in the pictures is a temporary visitor). Square footage inside is 11 (not including the hole) with 25 below. I let them free range during the afternoons. Should I cover the bottom hole at night too?

I bring out a rubber feed pan each morning and afternoon with fresh water on days when it gets near freezing. I place it upstairs in the roosting box that no one uses (would it be better to place it downstairs like the usual waterer?). I have considered getting a heating base and metal waterer for the winter.