- Jul 10, 2009
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I have an open front coop. It's wonderful in the summer being on wheels and having the pen underneath. I was so afraid of winter. We tucked it up nice next to the house. I put plexi around the bottom to block wind and let in sun. If the temp is below 20* I add the light all night. It's a red 150 W and I just hang it up top and face it away from the girls. I have 3 nests and 6 hens, so someone is always out in the coop. I have 2 hens that refuse anything but the perch and one that sleeps in the bedding either in a nest or out. I cover the screen door with a couple of towels and make sure they don't flap in the wind. When we hit -15* I added a tarp over the whole coop to cut the wind out. They have done fine, I just have to make sure I keep the water filled when the light is on 'cause they stay up drinking and eating all night. I try to limit the light at night so they get some sleep, but when it's cold it stays on. My coop is 4 x 8 up top and the pen underneath is 4 x 9. I have only one case of frostbite--Floppy didn't get her name for nothing- but they're all good. I think they gear up for winter when you keep them out in the changing weather.
Anyone else got winter stories?
Anyone else got winter stories?