I have a small coop that is similar in style to this one from TSC. Currently, we only have two hens - a barred rock and a buff orpington - as we lost two to tunneling predators early this summer. We have since laid plastic-coated fencing underneath the coop (it's what we had on hand) and laid heavy landscaping stones around the outside perimeter of the coop. The sides are covered in hardware cloth and the run area is roofed. We have not had any predator attacks or successful burrowing attempts since laying the fence and putting down the stones. They tried a few times within two weeks of the reinforcements, but quickly gave up.
I have three questions:
1. We will be leaving soon for a weekend and I'm not sure what to do. Can I leave the sliding coop door open within the run for the hens? We typically put food and water in the run part of this coop every morning and take it into the garage at night. This is the first night away from our hens and I obviously want to try and keep them safe. We do not have neighbors to help out. Do I leave the food and water in the run and leave the sliding coop door open, or do I find a way to put the food and water inside the coop and keep them closed in for two days? What is the best way to handle this?
2. How do I winterize this coop? I live in Michigan and it will get COLD. I know birds are cold-hearty, but what would be the best way to keep their water from freezing for two hens? There is no electricity in this small coop. I might be able to run an extension, but it's a ways from the house.
3. Is there something I can rig up INSIDE this coop for food and water during the winter? There doesn't seem to be much space in there to easily hang food/waterers. There are two roost bars inside, but the birds tend to both use the same one by the door.
Any suggestions are appreciated. I am new to chickens and need to start working on a plan! Thanks for any ideas you can provide!!!
I have three questions:
1. We will be leaving soon for a weekend and I'm not sure what to do. Can I leave the sliding coop door open within the run for the hens? We typically put food and water in the run part of this coop every morning and take it into the garage at night. This is the first night away from our hens and I obviously want to try and keep them safe. We do not have neighbors to help out. Do I leave the food and water in the run and leave the sliding coop door open, or do I find a way to put the food and water inside the coop and keep them closed in for two days? What is the best way to handle this?
2. How do I winterize this coop? I live in Michigan and it will get COLD. I know birds are cold-hearty, but what would be the best way to keep their water from freezing for two hens? There is no electricity in this small coop. I might be able to run an extension, but it's a ways from the house.
3. Is there something I can rig up INSIDE this coop for food and water during the winter? There doesn't seem to be much space in there to easily hang food/waterers. There are two roost bars inside, but the birds tend to both use the same one by the door.
Any suggestions are appreciated. I am new to chickens and need to start working on a plan! Thanks for any ideas you can provide!!!
