Keeping the Coop Warm in the Winter

[Arbutus Peregrine]

My brother in Spokane, Washington has chickens for the first time this winter. They came with his new house and so they are adults--not sure how old. They still lay a lot of eggs, so perhaps less than three years old? Anyhow, he is concerned because they are molting and it is very cold--lots of snow. Do you have any advice? Or helpful questions I can ask him to figure out how to help? Thanks! (I've never had chickens in the snow before--we have to deal with freezing temps and occasional snow in Portland--but nothing like Spokane).

 

[ValerieJ]

My brother in Spokane, Washington has chickens for the first time this winter. They came with his new house and so they are adults--not sure how old. They still lay a lot of eggs, so perhaps less than three years old? Anyhow, he is concerned because they are molting and it is very cold--lots of snow. Do you have any advice? Or helpful questions I can ask him to figure out how to help? Thanks! (I've never had chickens in the snow before--we have to deal with freezing temps and occasional snow in Portland--but nothing like Spokane).

Keeping the coop well ventilated and completely dry is the secret to cold weather. His chickens are already acclimated to the area, so I don't foresee any problems.

 

[woodmort]

Do you have any advice? Or helpful questions I can ask him to figure out

Yup, have him enjoy his chickens. They won't be bothered by the cold and, if they are anyplace as old as you think. they have survived it before with no problems.

 

[Arbutus Peregrine]

Keeping the coop well ventilated and completely dry is the secret to cold weather. His chickens are already acclimated to the area, so I don't foresee any problems.

Thank you! He wants to build a new and better home for them in the Spring, but I agree with you--they have already been thriving...they should be okay!

 

[Arbutus Peregrine]

Yup, have him enjoy his chickens. They won't be bothered by the cold and, if they are anyplace as old as you think. they have survived it before with no problems.

Thanks so much. That's what I was thinking, but I wanted to check in! Chickens are amazing!

 

[CindyinSD]

When he builds that new, better coop, send him here for advice. It’s so much easier to fix design problems before you build than after.

A couple of my girls are molting. They’re doing fine even though their water is often sporting a good inch and a half of ice in the morning. I’ll bet your brother’s girls will do every bit as well. Tell him to give them a good high protein feed (they have names like flock restorer and feather fixer, etc.) to help them grow all those new feathers in.

 

[trumpeting_angel]

One of mine started to molt this month. The other pullets had mini-molts in September, but this one chose Advent. She is flighty, uncomfortable, and has lost her place in the pecking order. Poor gal. But not too cold - she is just fine. They are remarkable animals.

 

[CindyinSD]

One of mine started to molt this month. The other pullets had mini-molts in September, but this one chose Advent. She is flighty, uncomfortable, and has lost her place in the pecking order. Poor gal. But not too cold - she is just fine. They are remarkable animals.

They sure are!

 

[Arbutus Peregrine]

When he builds that new, better coop, send him here for advice. It’s so much easier to fix design problems before you build than after.

A couple of my girls are molting. They’re doing fine even though their water is often sporting a good inch and a half of ice in the morning. I’ll bet your brother’s girls will do every bit as well. Tell him to give them a good high protein feed (they have names like flock restorer and feather fixer, etc.) to help them grow all those new feathers in.

Thanks so much! I’ve been telling him about this site and sending him coop plans! He only just moved so I’ve only seen photos of the coop, but it looks pretty good! The run just needs a cover and reinforcing. But I know him and he’ll build something amazing for them! I’ll tell him about the feed. Thanks!

 

[itsasmallfarm]

where i live it can get to minus 50C in the winter (-58F) in the wind chill.

we insulated the coop and use one of them wall heaters.