Looking to Expand Amazon Coop/Advice?

[TwistedRootTree]

Hmm. Ok. Whatever it takes! I have yet to properly ask my chicken-having friends what they do around here for winter, but I’ll figure it out.

You need good ventilation in coop during winter too,
so 'buttoning down to stay insulated' is not a good idea.
Your run may need some serious bolstering too in order to hold up to snow loads(can't quite see it all but recognize the style).

 

[TwistedRootTree]

Oh! The runs on those are always way too small, I would 100% build a run yourself 'cause large prefab runs are insanely expensive. I'd get some fencing and some lumber and if you decide to add a cover, make absolutely sure it can handle the weight of the snow or else will let it pass through. Covered runs are nice as it will eliminate the risk of aerial attacks while they're inside and prevents agile birds from flying out. Depending on the material used it can even provide shade and protection from the rain and snow. The downside is it is a bit more expense to build a covered run and can be impractical for especially large spaces but that last point shouldn't be an issue as that's more of an issue for people with huge runs. At the cheapest you could run some netting to keep hawks out

What we’ve got right now isn’t attached to the coop, and it seems like we could remove part of the wiring and add on other sections. Also, our entire property is fenced off and we intend to have the chickens roam in it most days possible! The one we have now is wired on the top and is partially covered by a tarp.

 

[TwistedRootTree]

You need good ventilation in coop during winter too,
so 'buttoning down to stay insulated' is not a good idea.
Your run may need some serious bolstering too in order to hold up to snow loads(can't quite see it all but recognize the style).

Feel like I should clarify that I just meant I can’t have a coop with that open of a style with our weather. But yeah, there will still be ventilation in winter!

 

[StinkyAcres]

Feel like I should clarify that I just meant I can’t have a coop with that open of a style with our weather. But yeah, there will still be ventilation in winter!

Aim for 1 square foot of winter ventilation per bird. Vents in the soffits is best as they are protected from rain and are high enough that warm humid air will rise and escape out but drafts coming in won't hit the birds on the roost.

 

[StinkyAcres]

Oh, and welcome to the forum! I'm in the Northeast as well so I know what to expect.

 

[TwistedRootTree]

Aim for 1 square foot of winter ventilation per bird. Vents in the soffits is best as they are protected from rain and are high enough that warm humid air will rise and escape out but drafts coming in won't hit the birds on the roost.

That’s super helpful. Thanks a bunch!