Keeping the chickens warmer in the run...

[Hens & Hounds]

since we wrapped the north, east & west side of run in 6 mil plastic it is warmer & no wind blowing...but I will say it was a pita to do & I feel like we trapped in dust from their play sand, DE, peat moss dust bath area

besides it does look like some kind of a homeless shelter now w/ our 9 squatters in it

It is for function not for looks...will try to get a picture of the silver tarp which is covering the whole run & coop & the ugly plastic wrapped around it...kinda like a circus tent

 

[LN2008]

I am stretching plastic sheeting over my run. It's not a large run though so it may not be feasible for you to do that. I have sand on the bottom, but I was thinking about adding something else, something that doesn't necessarily conduct heat or cold. (Like wood chips?). I am not using a heater at all, I'm mostly warming them up by giving them warm treats, corn, and refilling their fount with very warm water. Their coop is completely sealed, save the vents at the top which will also be protected at some point from cold air. Ventilation is important, but so is weather protection.

 

[Rileysixchix]

Thank you all for your advice! the ideas are awesome! I appreciate all of your help! We have a corrogated clear roof on the top of the run, and were considering wrapping the bottom of the run three feet up with a plastic to prevent snow and cool winds to unsettle the girls, but leaving the top open about feet for air circulation. The hay bale idea is great except our run isn't as big or else i would totally do that! Right now we have a gravel floor to the run and are considering another type or flooring to put on top of the gravel. The only issue is with any other type of flooring, it gets extremely wet and stinks due to the drainage pattern in the yard. So would sand be the best bet? we are going to the feed store a bit later so we can stock up on every bodies ideas.

 

[LN2008]

Quote:
I love having sand in my run. It dries out their droppings so quickly that I can clean it with a pooper scooper in 30 min flat or less.

 

[coolcanoechic]

Quote:
How creative! I like that!