OUR FIRST WINTER IS COMING

[DARILEY75]

I have a rather small coop 5 x 3 x 3 with three birds. 2 brahmas and a Plymouth rock, they have a small enclosed are and a nesting box, the rest is screened in. I am concerned about them being warm and dry, also about keeping snow out. I am considering putting a clear plexi around the screen and sand on the floor. is this ok? or is there something better I should do?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

What is your climate? Something to keep the snow from blowing in is a good idea. Other than that, don't restrict any ventilation. Chickens go to bed wearing a warm down winter coat. They won't be cold.
Make sure the roost is wide enough that they can cover their toes with their feathers at night.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I don't have a smaller coop, I imagine it's hard to maintain them in the winter, don't wrap them up too much, it will turn into a drippy greenhouse, be prepared to shovel and manage the snow somewhat, snow can actually be a good insulator, so pile it where it's useful. Sand can be cold on the feet, I like hay for them to stand on and it gives them something to peck and eat. Hopefully your coop is somewhere there is good sunlight. Chickens don't mind winter too much, but be aware if you're in a climate where blizzards hit your chickens will have to be inside for a couple of days, so make sure you can still feed and water them and they have room to move around.

 

[DARILEY75]

thank you for your response...

 

[DARILEY75]

thank you, I will look into hay. any suggestions for keeping their water from freezing?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I personally don't like electric stuff plugged in all winter in my coops, I take warm water out twice a day, I use rubber bowls and buckets and smash the ice out and refill.

 

[Peeps61]

thank you, I will look into hay. any suggestions for keeping their water from freezing?

I live in NW Florida, and we do get freezing weather at night sometimes. When I know this is coming, I bring one waterer in and leave it near the back door in the house. In the morning, I take it out and bring the frozen one in. When I get home from work, I clean it out, refill it and set it by the back door to repeat the same thing the next day, until the cold snap passes. If you are pretty much freezing all winter long, there are devices you can use to keep the water warm enough to avoid freezing - but that involves batteries or electricity. It's really up to you how you want to handle it.