Need help on covering coop for winter

[Raysal]

Yes, leave a 6-12" gap all around the top, and maybe one panel or the door uncovered..what ever is on the leeward side.

Very helpful thanks

 

[aart]

but it is cold for us

I'll bet...but not for the chickens!

 

[Raysal]

I'll bet...but not for the chickens!

Well thats good

 

[CindyinSD]

So, you're in Dallas? You probably don't need to do anything. Does it really get to 10° there? Fahrenheit? If it gets super cold, I'd just chase them into the enclosed area or if I was having trouble with that, I'd go in after dark and put them in. After a few nights they will usually learn they're supposed to sleep in there and they'll go in on their own.

I'm not sure tarping the run is a good idea in Dallas. Depending on the weather, you'll need to watch to make sure it doesn't get too hot. Don't use clear tarps as I suggested earlier. They'll definitely heat the area too much. White should be okay. Mine will be spending winter in my greenhouse. In South Dakota. It can sometimes get way too hot in there on a warm sunny day (warm=above freezing) so I open the doors to let it cool off. They can go outside, but if there's snow on the ground that scares many of them, so they won't leave.

 

[aart]

Well thats good

They have more trouble with heat than cold.
Might just want to put plastic up on the windward side....or do nothing.

 

[Mamadar]

My coop looks similar to this i was wondering how do i cover the sides and what sides to cover for the winter my chikens like to roost in the outside part they dont go in the closed area so they sleep where its all open with the hardware wire
View attachment 2329063

Nice coop! I use heavy clear shower curtains, I put cup hooks along the top of the coop to match the grommet holes. I can overlap them if needed. Or only partially cover to keep out wind rain or snow.
This keeps them warm and dry, let's the light in, and be be easily removed. I have done this the last four years with great success.

 

[21hens-incharge]

Where do you live? Pictures of the actual setup might also be helpful. That will help people advise you.

I agree. Pics of actual coop always help.

@Raysal, if your coop is built EXACTLY like the picture there is a potential issue.

In the picture I see no wire in the upper section just below the roof. That gives predators ample space to enter.

If your enclosed coop part has no venting or lighting they may be staying out of there due to it being to hot and dark.

We have no way of knowing what roofing you used. If it is clear polycarbonate like the picture things can get hot in the house part just like a greenhouse.

PS....polycarbonate does not hold up to hail...

 

[WindingRoad]

We AKA humans bodys run at 98.6F give or take. Chickens run at 105-107F. We are cold at temps that chickens are not. Put your hand under a wing. Warm. Put your hand under a nesting chicken. Warn to slightly hot. That's also why they can hatch eggs as well ( if not better IMHO) than a incubator. I live in Maine. I bought clear grided tarps (Amazon) for my flimsy TSC and the temps got down to -25F a couple of winters ago. A good rule of thumb is if your coop walls have frost on them then your coop is too "tight" i.e. not enough ventilation.

I always tell people who "advise" me to insulate my coop that I have 13 mini heaters in there. "I'm all set".