Need experienced input for first winter in this coop.

[Mrs. K]

I would lower the high roost to the same level as the low roost and move them farther from the wall. Animals close to the wall will cause condensation there with their breath. This will also move the tops of there heads lower than the windows and increase the distance to the ceiling, which reduces moisture collecting there and falling back on them.

I too would add a lot of clutter to the run. You are wasting all the vertical space. All of your chickens can see each other 100% of the time.

 

[Ahoragi]

Looks like you did an excellent job winterizing. Remember that they'll need some ventilation in the run area now that it is more-or-less sealed. They'll go outside when they want to during the day, but otherwise have a nice area to stay in.

As for molting- it is an individual thing. Doesn't make much sense, but yes, they can molt in late fall/early winter when it drops below 32deg. They'll tend to do what they can to protect that area, so that one will keep her neck contracted to minimize exposure. Looks like the new pin feathers are coming in okay, so she'll be fine fairly soon.

One additional suggestion: Since they will spend a lot of time in the enclosed area, you might want to consider adding some clutter to their run. It gives them some stimulation, some hiding places from dominant hens, and more places to roost.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/

Thanks. Not sure if you can see it but there is a 6" gap all along the top of the tarp on the door side. There is also ventilation under the overhangs on both sides as well. Their door is 1.5" square and also open to the yard so that too. Is that enough? I was in there today hanging the feeders and setting up the heated waterer and felt a good breeze coming in from above.

Thanks for the tip on the clutter. I will see what I can do. I did add the 8 ft branch recently. They seem to use half of the run to dust bath all at the same time for some reason (it is sand) so I wasn't sure if I should clutter up that area.

 

[Ahoragi]

I would lower the high roost to the same level as the low roost and move them farther from the wall. Animals close to the wall will cause condensation there with their breath. This will also move the tops of there heads lower than the windows and increase the distance to the ceiling, which reduces moisture collecting there and falling back on them.

I too would add a lot of clutter to the run. You are wasting all the vertical space. All of your chickens can see each other 100% of the time.

Thanks. Does it matter which direction that they are sitting on the roost? They always sit facing away from the wall so I wonder if that affects condensation. The roost bar closest to the wall is 14" from it.

We originally had a three tier roost type setup in the run to utilize the vertical space and give them some high ground to chill on but then we had a lot of chickens dust bathing underneath and getting pooped on. That stopped when we took it out.

 

[TooCheep]

Thanks. Not sure if you can see it but there is a 6" gap all along the top of the tarp on the door side. There is also ventilation under the overhangs on both sides as well. Their door is 1.5" square and also open to the yard so that too. Is that enough? I was in there today hanging the feeders and setting up the heated waterer and felt a good breeze coming in from above.

Thanks for the tip on the clutter. I will see what I can do. I did add the 8 ft branch recently. They seem to use half of the run to dust bath all at the same time for some reason (it is sand) so I wasn't sure if I should clutter up that area.

Sounds good for the ventilation. It wasn't obvious from the pictures. Just go ahead with the clutter. They'll be happy to dig up some new dust baths.

 

[Mrs. K]

Pictures are deceptive, 14 inches from the wall should be good. I would lower it so that both are the same height. Chickens will crowd and fight to be on the high one, but if they are both the same height they will spread out more and be less aggressive.