Keeping chickens safe in the cold

[gemd]

We will be getting -3*f Monday and it will be windy so windchiksl will be -15 - -20. I have a small coop from tractor supply with enclosed nesting areas (all my birds can fit if they snuggle) which is about 3x2 feet and has a small 6" window for venting,a large window (2*2') and a 2*2' sliding door,all can be open or closed. I'm going to keep the door open so they can walk in their run. I'm closing the 2*2 window and leaving the 6" open. Is that what I should do?

Also they have a 5 gallon bucket of water with chicken nipples, I don't have a way to heat the water so do I just go out and pour in some warm water occasionally?

Anything else to do to prep the coop or birds? I have 4 leghorns, an EE, wyandotte, and a mystery (possibly australorp)

 

[Eggcessive]

It sounds like you need a larger coop with 7 chickens. That is way too small. Do you have a garage or basement where you can keep them? I use electric dog bowl waterers in freezing weather for my large coop. If they go outside I find the gallon black rubber bowls work well in winter. I fill them in the morning, and dump them in the evening. You will need a larger coop for them. Those tiny coops advertise holding way more birds than they actually do. Most grown chickens require 4 square feet per bird inside a coop. Then they need to get out into a run or free range, or they may pick each others’ feathers or vent.