Plexiglass for winter covering

[Stephen1152]

My chicken coup is designed where the run area consists of 6 screen squares. It gets cold in my area of the northeast during the winter. I was thinking of using plexiglass to cover the screen area. I would leave 2 inches for ventilation along the top. I was also contemplating leaving one square off in the back corner where very little wind or show would be able to get in. Is this a good idea over covering the entire coop with plastic? Plastic flaps in the wind and it could even tare.

 

[onaharley]

Very interested in this concept, for my duck run. I have been thinking the same thing due to Michigan winters being cold. I'm thinking that the trap idea will be noisy due to flapping in the wind and i have tossed around the idea of plexiglass, A) less noise B) less ware and tare C) it would allow light in during the daytime while helping to block the wind. Hope some more people with experience with both ducks /chickens chin in

 

[CapricornFarm]

I would not use plexiglass. It often cracks if you drill holes in it to install it. It also breaks on impact. I have had hawks break in through plexi as well as glass. Though if you have wire underneath, your birds are safe at least. I have used plastic feed bags that i stapled over the hardware cloth. They lasted the winter for me , and cost is low. If you want transparency, there are clear tarps but they are pricey. You could try those plastic runners that are clear that they use for hallways but unsure of cost or durability for them. You could also use those clear wavy roof panels. I have not tried those. Let us know how it works out for you.

 

[Folly's place]

I use the nearly clear plastic that comes in rolls, doubled over, on the lower part of my run. I leave the upper foot or more open for ventilation, Staples, and then screws into 1"x4" boards over the plastic into the run framing. It works great, and the plastic can be reused at least once. It also will roll up in spring, so easier to store than plexiglass panels. Mary

 

[Folly's place]

My 'rustic' coop now has a mostly new roof, thanks to the big spruce that blew over on it last spring (one of four in one windstorm!). So the roof is now nearly matching, rather than three different colors. Someday I might even get it all stained... Mary

 

[Rustyspokes]

I tried plexiglass over the window opening of a brood house sometime ago. They get brittle with age. Guys in receiving save up bubble wrap for me. I just pull it tight along the edges as I staple it in place.

 

[RNPAULIE69]

I just put a few plexiglass panels up on my pen and will add more as it gets colder. This will be my first winter with chickens so I dont know how it will hold up yet

 

[Folly's place]

RNP, your plexiglass looks good, but you need to attach that hardware cloth better. I would add big staples, and then 1"x4" wood strips screwed into the coop framing. Mary

 

[RNPAULIE69]

How much bigger of a staple? We used a staple gun..i haven't finished with the trim, planned on screwing wood trim pieces down the center of each 4x4 to cover ends of hardware cloth and across bottom.

 

[Folly's place]

We use 3/4" fencing staples, and then the screwed in boards over it all. Also 2"x5" woven wire fencing over the lower 4' of hardware cloth under the boards. It's about security, and paranoia, and bad predator experiences. Mary