It’s COLD!!

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A9C1407E-26D7-4F26-A1D5-0D892DEB7C8B

KellD said:
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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?!
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There is a vent on the far wall at the top that I keep closed. Maybe I need to open that?
 
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KellD said:
Interesting...they have never spread out to use all space in there ‍♀️
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How old are they? Do you get deep snow where you are at? It can work depending on your climate. Here birds often are locked in for weeks on end because of deep snow or extreme cold. You may be different.
 
oldhenlikesdogs said:
How old are they? Do you get deep snow where you are at? It can work depending on your climate. Here birds often are locked in for weeks on end because of deep snow or extreme cold. You may be different.
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Unfortunately every winter seems to be different here, but we can get deep snow and cold temperatures usually in January. I put up painters tarp to help keep out the snow and wind. Bought my chickens in April this year.
 
I live in Idaho too and burrrrnesss. As long as there is proper ventilation close it up at night. You might want to think about building a coop. It isn't hard. I am doing it now. I don't know where you are at but if you are near boise I found this. It could help. The same thing here. I bought a prefab coop thinking most would end up being roos. I was wrong and now I have 11 chickens all bunched up in a tiny prefab coop!
https://boise.craigslist.org/zip/d/boise-reclaimed-wood/7000105863.html
 
If that is plastic wrap, they may be smothering in there. They are probably trying to get fresh air by sleeping at the door. Between their breath and the noxious vapors coming from their pooo, moisture builds up, and oxygen levels can get low. Chickens need ventilation way more than they need insulation. 32° might feel cold to you but with their feathers, they feel just fine. As long as there isn't a wind or strong draft blowing right on them, they keep themselves warm down below 0°.
Even with the little run, that coop is too small for 6 adult chickens. But it will make a good brooder for chicks. You can build a coop pretty cheap and you don't even need to be a carpenter. There are lots of good coop plans here on BYC.
Personally, I would get rid of the plastic wrap and open ALL the vents (unless there's a big wind storm).
Good luck! :hugs
 
From looking at the pic above, you could lift the roof off, install some 1" furring strips, then put the roof back on. It will allow better ventilation than that one little vent door.
If to can get a ridge vent from Lowe's, you can just cut an opening along the ridge, and nail the new ridge vent on. Really easy
 
KellD said:
A9C1407E-26D7-4F26-A1D5-0D892DEB7C8B

A9C1407E-26D7-4F26-A1D5-0D892DEB7C8B

There is a vent on the far wall at the top that I keep closed. Maybe I need to open that?
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Looking at this picture, your roost bars are very near the ground so with the door open a draft can blow right on the birds. If you can install a roost bar at a height equal to or above the door without getting closer than a foot from the ceiling I think it would make for a better roost and out of direct draft.
 
PirateGirl said:
Looking at this picture, your roost bars are very near the ground so with the door open a draft can blow right on the birds. If you can install a roost bar at a height equal to or above the door without getting closer than a foot from the ceiling I think it would make for a better roost and out of direct draft.
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There doesn't look to be much room to move the roost bars up much. If you move then up a foot, the birds would have to sleep with their heads sticking out of the roof! :gig
 

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