Need experienced advice on how to deal with single digit temps in non-insulated coop

[CHlCKEN]

It's going to get down to 5° F tonight and I'm not at all prepared for it having never before seen temps like these in my years of chicken keeping. My coop is NOT insulated and when closed up only gets about 2-5 degrees above the external temps, which in our usual 40 degree nights is no issue at all, but is possibly dangerous tonight. I'm going to clear the droppings boards to minimize moisture but I need to know how I can bring the temps up inside without a heater. All ideas are welcome.

 

[Chickeeaholic]

I am looking for the same answer. We get cold here but it’s dropping so fast I’m worried. I put extra bags of wood shavings down to insulate the floor 1’ thick all around under the roost. I also took bubble foil insulation and put over all the windows and any cracks. I know keeping it dry is most important though. Vents are still open above. Not sure what else can be done? My old girls have a heater panel to stand by but these fluctuations keep them sneezing anyway. I’m hoping someone else has good advice.

 

[Chickeeaholic]

PS. I just remembered one thing is to feed corn before bedtime. I have seen people post that on here to give them the sugars they need to stay warm.

 

[StinkyAcres]

Do you have any non-cold hardy breeds such as Silkies or Frizzles? If not, all you need to worry about is having adequate ventilation with no drafts.

 

[CHlCKEN]

Do you have any non-cold hardy breeds such as Silkies or Frizzles? If not, all you need to worry about is having adequate ventilation with no drafts.

I do have a Frizzle

 

[StinkyAcres]

I do have a Frizzle

Is it possible to bring the Frizzle inside a cool room in the house?

 

[CHlCKEN]

I’m worried about the shock of it too. None of these birds have ever seen temps nearly this low and I do have two seniors.

 

[StinkyAcres]

I’m worried about the shock of it too. None of these birds have ever seen temps nearly this low and I do have two seniors.

What have the low temps been the last few days? And what other breeds do you have?

 

[CHlCKEN]

What have the low temps been the last few days? And what other breeds do you have?

Nothing lower than 20 degrees. Usually in the low 40s or high 30s. This is the coldest winter we’ve ever seen though. I have two d’uccles and a Sumatra I’m worried about too. My Orpingtons and Marans should be okay and my BR and SS wouldn’t be a worry if they weren’t on the older end though I’m sure they’ll be alright.

 

[CHlCKEN]

And to be clear, this goes for my ducks too who I guess I’m going to have to lock up with the chickens since their shed is usually open doored and therefore has no vents.