Keeping the Coop Warm in the Winter

[trumpeting_angel]

And they will be fine at 0*, and at -15* F.

You may be surprised that the recommended amount of ventilation is far more than you would expect. One sq. ft. per bird!

And it’s the thing that will save them when it’s cold. Being cooped up with lots of poop and ammonia does them real harm.

Best part of winter: frozen poop is really easy to scoop up!

 

[aart]

Best part of winter: frozen poop is really easy to scoop up!

Unless it sticks to something...then it can be there until a thaw.
I chiseled one off this morning and it went flying!

 

[trumpeting_angel]

Unless it sticks to something...then it can be there until a thaw.
I chiseled one off this morning and it went flying!

I’ve had some flying poops myself. I still prefer it to smeared, smelly ones.

 

[aart]

I’ve had some flying poops myself. I still prefer it to smeared, smelly ones.

Frozen cecals really stick!

 

[Peggysaurus]

As @trumpeting_angel said, the note info you provide, the more advice you’ll get- sometimes conflicting but always well intended to help.
I live to your east in the granite state. My issues are elevation and exposure to wind in addition to cold. I got a lot of great advice, and I’m monitoring temp inside the coop vs outside, without heating. I am providing heated water in a closed container to prevent humidity increase leading to moisture and condensation.

Two things I haven’t seen addressed in this thread is the type and number of chickens. Are they cold hardy breeds (smaller combs, fully feathered?). The number is relevant in relation to their body heat adding to the coops temp, and their droppings and respiration adding heat and moisture.

I own cold hardy dual purpose breeds and was planning on reducing flock size to 6 chickens through the winter. After listening to advice on here, much of it conflicting, I opted to carry over 10 chickens. I could always send more to the freezer if my ventilation can’t handle the number of chickens.

I learn something every day with my flock. We’ve had some single digit nights and teens during the day with wind chills well below 0. And so far my ladies are wandering outside almost ignoring the weather. And when they need to warm up- the go into the run or coop. Their instinct for self preservation is strong!

We currently have 5 adult Plymouth Rock chickens, 2 3-month old Sapphire Gems, and 1 3-month Sapphire Olive Egger.

 

[Duckfarmer1]

Unless it sticks to something...then it can be there until a thaw.
I chiseled one off this morning and it went flying!

Yes... I was just thinking the same thing about my ducks poop..it was stuck to the barn floor in many spots...man that took me hours to chisel up...my hand even hurts today!

 

[Duckfarmer1]

I’ve had some flying poops myself. I still prefer it to smeared, smelly ones.

Love you avatar!

 

[NHMountainMan]

Love you avatar!

You made me look- I agree @trumpeting_angel - adorable.
Makes me want to call my kids and tell them to get busy getting me some grandbabies

 

[trumpeting_angel]

Love you avatar!

Thank you.

That’s my granddaughter, Frankie (Frances). She is not always so quiet! But those sleeping baby pictures are so heartwarming.

 

[trumpeting_angel]

You made me look- I agree @trumpeting_angel - adorable.
Makes me want to call my kids and tell them to get busy getting me some grandbabies

There is nothing better they can do for you!