It’s COLD!!

[KellD]

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• KellD
• Oct 28, 2019

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778F3A1A-28BE-4667-B526-657A8A750668

• KellD
• Oct 28, 2019

I live in Idaho and it’s getting into the single digits at night. When I’ve checked on my chickens at night, they are all gathered in the coop, but right In the doorway, which I have been keeping open. I’m worried about frostbite. Should I be closing the door and why the heck are they sleeping in the doorway?!

 

[Cryss]

Yes close it. Drafts are where frostbite starts. It also is another layer of protection from critters.
As for why they gather there, no idea. Are they young? Young pullets often don't roost at first preferring to huddle. Maybe the door feels familiar since they hang outside during the day?

 

[Conan]

What does your coop look like? Is it properly ventilated? If there isn't enough fresh air in there, that may be why they are crowding the door.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I generally don't see frostbite until temperatures fall into the -20's Fahrenheit and below. I keep open doorways all winter. Ventilation is good, just make sure there isn't drafts blowing over the roost area. Provide wind breaks if necessary. I put a bale if hay at an angle in my bantam coop in front of the pop hole for that wind break.

Frostbite is more about moisture or extreme cold.

Welcome to BYC.

 

[aart]

What does your coop look like? Is it properly ventilated? If there isn't enough fresh air in there, that may be why they are crowding the door.

Yes, this^^^^

...and is there enough space in there for them all?
Dimensions and pics of your coop, inside and out, might help us help you.
How many birds total do you...and what are their ages?

Oh, and....Welcome to BYC! @KellD
Here's how to add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, (laptop version shown), then it's always there!

 

[so lucky]

I always come back to "Is there enough light inside the coop for the chicks to find the roost?"

 

[Cryss]

Frostbite is more about moisture or extreme cold.

Yes! I didn't mention that in my post and I should have. I was zeroed in on the open door part. Drafts cause frostbite because of poor ventilation causing moisture buildup.

I always come back to "Is there enough light inside the coop for the chicks to find the roost?"

My girls never had trouble in the old coop that had no windows or lights. They would always make their way to bed at dusk while there was just enough light to see their way. I don't use electricity in my coops. I made sure my new coop had plenty of windows for light, about 10 square feet of windows total. Overkill maybe but the windows were free.

 

[KellD]

What does your coop look like? Is it properly ventilated? If there isn't enough fresh air in there, that may be why they are crowding the door.

I posted pictures. Hope you can see them!

 

[KellD]

Yes, this^^^^

...and is there enough space in there for them all?
Dimensions and pics of your coop, inside and out, might help us help you.
How many birds total do you...and what are their ages?

Oh, and....Welcome to BYC! @KellD
Here's how to add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, (laptop version shown), then it's always there!
View attachment 1945922

I have six chickens that I bought in April. Just posted pictures of the coop...I hope

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Unfortunately that coop is way too small for 6 chickens.