Keeping chickens warm enough

[cugo18]

hello there elmo. i am new to the chicken world. just started in feb of this year and was hoping that my chicakens are going to be ok during the winter. i live here in texas also. in devers.. my coop is only of chicken wire all around it but does have a hard roof. should there be something to go around it for the drafts of wind that will come thur? all of my chickens are hardy for the winter. please help with any advise that you have.

thanks in advance for anyones help!!!

 

[patandchickens]

Quote:
Yup, for sure. At *least* on the most-usually-upwind-in-winter two sides.

I don't know how cold you get, but if it's into the 40s F sometimes it'd be good to have some sort of a roost box or other type shelter that they can get completely into, partly because it blocks the wind more fully and partly b/c it gives them protection from *all* winds, even ones from unexpected directions.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[LynneP]

As pat says, a huddle box is a wonderful idea. And you can easily make covers for your vents that you open and close from inside the coop, if height permits. We have platforms in the coop which are positioned in such a way that the hens can always avoid a draft even if the pop door is open. Chickens do well in cold, provided their feet have cushioning and they can remain dry. The water needs to be kept from freezing and they should have access to feed at all times. Some breeds have combs that are vulnerable, but I bet you have cold-resistant chickens. Wild bird suet can be given to add body warmth too, and corn. But generally chickens so well in winter, something that made me chuckle last year when we had prolonged damp cold and -40C chill factors for about 10 days.

Some other thoughts

https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=7693-seasonal-concerns

 

[elmo]

Quote:
Devers is in South Texas, right? I have a friend here in North Texas that has a similar set up. He's got his birds in chain link sided kennels with metal panel roofing. For winter, he shields the sides of the pens with tarps. All his birds manage fine, but he has standard and cold hardy bantams.

If I remember your post from the other day, you have one breed of chicken that's delicate. You'll probably need to look into doing something more about housing them for the winter.

 

[cugo18]

again thanks for the info. that is what i was told also by another person but wanted to hear from another chicken lover.