Over ez coop in winter

[Ccort]

@Ccort I don't have pics of it with all the vents showing, but here's a pic I saved of someone else's that I used for reference when doing mine (I wish I had saved the username of the person. I think it was kburkett):
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I did not do ALL of the same cuts as this photo. I did cut out over both windows, and the ones on the side(s) of the coop, but I did not cut out the larger vertical rectangles on either side of the windows. So far, there's been no issue with moisture or airflow.

I hope this pic is helpful. It's freezing and snowy here today, so I am disinclined to take my phone into the run for pics.

It's very helpful, thank you. Did you cut anything on the back?

 

[aart]

maybe I should have been more patient to see if they got enough water through the nipples provided

Yep!
I actually measured it, kinda.
Had already been keeping track of how much water daily, and it was the same with the HN's after they got used to them.

 

[BabyGotQuack]

Ugh I really like it because it stays clean! But I added the little cups because I was worried about the chickens getting enough water and those do freeze. I have a deicer in the waterer and it has been fine but I've resorted to dumping it into another heated bowl most of the time anyways. Love it for the summer but maybe I should have been more patient to see if they got enough water through the nipples provided

Thanks for the info! I also use cups instead of nipples and that’s what I was afraid of was them freezing.

 

[Jeff F]

This is our first winter, so I'm not certain what'll happen, but we're definitely going to have to manage the snow load by clearing it off anytime there's a big storm (that's why we'll be adding a proper roof next year)! Building your own is ideal, especially if you have the skills (or have help from someone who does). My husband is handy, but he's no carpenter, lol, amd the cost of lumber... woof! So we chose the pre-built route. If we ever expand ( chicken math ), we'll do things differently, for sure. It gets real expensive real quick!

We did the same for the first year. I now have a 10x10 coop that is walk in and a run that is covered with a metal roof. So much easier to maintain and a dry area for the girls to roam.

 

[Jeff F]

This is our first winter, so I'm not certain what'll happen, but we're definitely going to have to manage the snow load by clearing it off anytime there's a big storm (that's why we'll be adding a proper roof next year)! Building your own is ideal, especially if you have the skills (or have help from someone who does). My husband is handy, but he's no carpenter, lol, amd the cost of lumber... woof! So we chose the pre-built route. If we ever expand ( chicken math ), we'll do things differently, for sure. It gets real expensive real quick!

We did the same for the first year. I now have a 10x10 coop that is walk in and a run that is covered with a metal roof. So much easier to maintain and a dry area for the girls to roam.

 

[ChickyCh00k]

You have an awesome set up! I read that a lot of these runs will cave in the winter from snow. Have you had it through winter yet? We probably have a lot more snow here but I thought if I clear it after each snowfall I could make it work but am considering just building my own

This is our first winter, so I'm not certain what'll happen, but we're definitely going to have to manage the snow load by clearing it off anytime there's a big storm (that's why we'll be adding a proper roof next year)! Building your own is ideal, especially if you have the skills (or have help from someone who does). My husband is handy, but he's no carpenter, lol, amd the cost of lumber... woof! So we chose the pre-built route. If we ever expand ( chicken math ), we'll do things differently, for sure. It gets real expensive real quick!

 

[ChickyCh00k]

Thank you! So you don't insulate the coop at all? I've also seen that but am frustrated because of the people around me who insist that it's necessary. :/

I'm not insulating mine at all, but I know it's snowier and colder where you are. I've just seen too many ppl say it's not necessary (even in the coldest of weather) as long as you keep things dry and well-ventilated, and that it can actually be a detriment in some cases because mites and other burrowing pests can nest in it, not to mention that it can make it MORE humid inside, which you want to avoid.

 

[BabyGotQuack]

Hello!!!

I have done a ton of research about winterizing chicken coops but I would like to ask specific questions about my coop that I havent been able to find. We live in the Upper Penninsula of Michigan in the snow belt where we get TONS of snow and the temps can stay at 0 or below for weeks at a time. We only have 6 chickens in this prefab coop that advertises room for 10-15 chickens. I know usually they are only equipped for the low side of that but it concerns me because of the size and our chickens ability to keep warm. We bought the feeder and waterer shown so when we need to keep them inside, it'll be less water spill and mess. I'm planning on putting a thermometer and hygrometer in the coop to monitor the humidity and temp. At the insistent request of my mother-in-law we are adding foam board with flex ply over top to the walls.

My question is if there is anything else I should be doing to insulate? Should we insulate the ceiling as well?

I've put pictures of a couple issues with build of the coop. The one crack is where the ceiling panels connect and I am going to add another piece of metal sheeting to the roof ensure no moisture gets in. Should I do anything else with that?

The other picture is a crack under where the wall and roof attach. Because it's on the sloped side I don't think there will be an issue with moisture or draft but do I need to seal that? And with what?

I'm not planning to add any heat to the coop except the deicer to the water tank and hopefully we will be able to keep that outside mostly. But is there any emergency things I can use if I notice the Temps getting too low and the chickens getting too cold?

I'm also worried about not having a run this winter. I'm planning to let them free range most of the time but did want a run to protect them from drifts and wind and I have run out of time to really build anything. We are moving to a new house in November and this is my first year with chickens. Are there any temporary quick fixes that anyone can recommend for this winter?

Thanks so much!!!!



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I see you have the over ez waterer. I’ve been looking at them but am wondering about winter and freezing.

I know there’s a spot to run a deicer into the tank but I was curious if that keeps the nipples from freezing or not? Have you been using it in winter with a deicer or anything?