Hi Deb,
It has been getting noticeably colder! This weekend I will fill the walls with the spray insulation, and caulk around the roof (thanks!). Up until now I have been using tarp (tucked between the roof and the walls) to keep the rain out. You are right, the roof is a bit leaky at the joints. I just went to check the tarp, we are supposed to get a lot of rain tonight. I would love to get some hay bales as well, just in case. I wouldn't know where to find hay around here, though. A nursery? I was thinking of maybe wrapping the whole playhouse in tyvek or some kind of foil insulation if the hens seem cold. I did put a big thermometer inside the coop to check the temperature.
I am also very new to chickens, I got these two New Hampshire Reds in June when they were about 3 1/2 months old. I love them--they are so cheerful and friendly. I am lucky to have very supportive neighbors, who keep an eye out for them. We have had all kinds of attacks--raccoons, dogs, and a huge red-tail hawk. So far they have been safe, but sometimes I go out there at night with a flashlight to check. Their run is chain link (the floor, too) with 2 feet of hardware mesh all around.
This weekend I also want to paint the plywood part of the door red, like the bottom. It has nothing to do with winterizing, but it will look much better.
I am having so much fun, in a way I never want to "finish" the coop.
Have a great weekend!
Vepla
