Letting my birds out when it's cold

[ValerieJ]

Can you move the roost to the left, according to the photo, and out of the direct draft? you need to figure out how to add ventilation without it blowing directly on the chickens

 

[Granny Hatchet]

mixed silkies. Not as hardy to the cold . But all chickens can handle a lot. Blocking wind and good vents and a good floor is about the best you can do. I used pine shavings in my run. You will want a heated water bowl OUTside in the run and allowing them to go out to drink when they want. Humidity will not be your friend. If you still get nervous they do sell flat panel heaters for chickens. I never used one even for my seramas but I dont get as cold as you.

 

[ValerieJ]

mixed silkies. Not as hardy to the cold . But all chickens can handle a lot. Blocking wind and good vents and a good floor is about the best you can do. I used pine shavings in my run. You will want a heated water bowl OUTside in the run and allowing them to go out to drink when they want. Humidity will not be your friend. If you still get nervous they do sell flat panel heaters for chickens. I never used one even for my seramas but I dont get as cold as you.

I actually have a couple of those available for my chickens. Some use it and some don't.

 

[Granny Hatchet]

They looked pretty nifty. Way better then heat lamps.

 

[MNL]

Can you move the roost to the left, according to the photo, and out of the direct draft? you need to figure out how to add ventilation without it blowing directly on the chickens

That area is designed to be the nesting boxes.

mixed silkies. Not as hardy to the cold . But all chickens can handle a lot. Blocking wind and good vents and a good floor is about the best you can do. I used pine shavings in my run. You will want a heated water bowl OUTside in the run and allowing them to go out to drink when they want. Humidity will not be your friend. If you still get nervous they do sell flat panel heaters for chickens. I never used one even for my seramas but I dont get as cold as you.

I know, everything I've read and people I talk to say they stay away from giving them heat. I do keep their food and water down in the run. Had it freeze already, but I go out to them at least twice a day and have an extra rotation of waters to hang fresh. Such a learning curve. When I began this new adventure I committed to giving them a more proper space next summer if I am successful at keeping them safe, healthy and happy through this winter. Thank you all for the great advice

 

[ValerieJ]

They will be fine. Keep the door open if the run is safe.

 

[ValerieJ]

If you can create some vents up high over the roost bar, that will help hugely.

 

[Granny Hatchet]

I used the dog heated water bowls. They hold over a gallon. If you have electric you can run out there.

 

[ValerieJ]

The door isn't on the weather side is it?

 

[aart]

Such a learning curve.

Huge learning curve, especially the first winter.
You'd think schools would do some planning before setting eggs.

The wall of the hen house with the interior sliding wood door does not meet the roof line inside, there is about a 4 inch gap from the top of the interior wall to the roof line, so it is vented into the run area.

This sounds good, can you take pic of that?

I would wrap the entire run except for the short end away from the coop.
Any chances of another big run attached to this tiny combo deal?

Here's an excellent modification to that kind of coop:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...ng-in-nest-boxes.1134399/page-2#post-17749535