New Chicken mama ready to winterize.

[RNPAULIE69]

I have fine gravel in my pen and it was wonderful in warmer temps as it doesn't hold any heat. Now that it's chilly I added a layer of straw and the girls seem to like it much better than walking on freezing gravel

 

[biophiliac]

This is my first year having chickens and I was very worried about the cold.
After reading through your artic weather thread from 2013... pretty much, the only thing I'm worried about is frostbite and critters, lol. We have leghorns and their combs are bigger than your what your breeds are.
That doesn't mean I'm not winterizing, lol.
Just that I'm no longer concerned with extra cords, heaters, bulbs, etc. Right now, we have one cord and it's going to be used for a heated waterer, outside the coop. And we're putting up clear shower curtains on three sides...
Anyway...I would tell anyone who is worried about the cold effecting their chickens to read it. If I knew how to link it, I would.
Of course everyone's set up is different, but for my small coop, it really eased my mid. Thank you so much for taking the time to record your experience.
I'm also new to the site & didn't realize you were still active.
I was going to say something on your thread, but because it was older, wasn't sure if you'd see it. (shout out to @biophiliac for recommending it to me).

I think I remember that winter, we had around the same temps. I'm in a small valley, south of Buffalo, NY, right in the snowbelt. I'm pretty sure that was the year we had windchills at -62F!

This reminds me, you said sometimes the birds don't come til they see you -Well take Hokum's advice on the corn and put it in a can so you can shake it like a rattle. They will learn to come running at the sound when you want to lock them in.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

I have a gfi outlet by the coop for the water heater. We placed the wire in pvc to prevent any chewing or wear on the wire. Thank you for your advice.

Good idea about the pvc pipe covering the cord!

 

[barn206]

I think as far as the south side of a coop or run being open depends on your geographical area and how it is set up. For us, that side has no protection from the wind or elements. I looked up the most prominent direction for the winter wind in our area and it generally comes from the south for our area.
So that is what I based my decision on as far as the run goes.

If it work then stick with it! You will know what works for you better than anyone else. Here in upstate NY, the winds coming from the north and the west can be brutal. My coop door faces south and seems to get the most sun. I could of put the opening on another side but that’s what seemed to be the best side for me. Again it’s really about what works within the location and placing of a coop.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

If it work then stick with it! You will know what works for you better than anyone else. Here in upstate NY, the winds coming from the north and the west can be brutal. My coop door faces south and seems to get the most sun. I could of put the opening on another side but that’s what seemed to be the best side for me. Again it’s really about what works within the location and placing of a coop.

The placement of my coop had to do with which part of the ground was more level without too much effort on my part.
I will have a tarp covering the run extension on the north side of the coop so that hopefully they can use it somewhat when the snow flies and the west side is blocked by a shed. This trial might be more error than not.

 

[barn206]

Just throughing this out there but it’s cold here since last night. The chickens did fine. It went down to upper 20’s and again tonight. Tomorrow I’m going to put Vaseline on their combs and waddles. ESP the rooster. I’m wondering how long the one application will last. Btw the coop ( unheated) is warmer inside that outside temperature. Friday night it will be in the teens. This is something I’m planning on doing. I worked outside for years and this Vaseline worked during cold nights. Just was a mess cause everything sticks to it. However it SHIELDS the cold!

 

[barn206]

(Throwing)

 

[OG Anomaly]

Just throughing this out there but it’s cold here since last night. The chickens did fine. It went down to upper 20’s and again tonight. Tomorrow I’m going to put Vaseline on their combs and waddles. ESP the rooster. I’m wondering how long the one application will last. Btw the coop ( unheated) is warmer inside that outside temperature. Friday night it will be in the teens. This is something I’m planning on doing. I worked outside for years and this Vaseline worked during cold nights. Just was a mess cause everything sticks to it. However it SHIELDS the cold!

What kind of birds do you have? Just curious
We have leghorns with big combs and I need to look up the signs of frostbite, ahead of time.

 

[barn206]

What kind of birds do you have? Just curious
We have leghorns with big combs and I need to look up the signs of frostbite, ahead of time.

I have all heritage cold hardy breeds. Rir,bo,del,bsl,jg

 

[cacklemama]

Yes, you need air to come in and air needs to be pushed out.

Ok wht did I Do? I'm making a louver cover for the back that when closed will sit 2 inches away from the vent. Only plan on closing with bad weather.