PNW Winter prep

[richard972]

First year with chickens. I live in the PNW, southwest Washington. I have started preping the coop and run for winter. Putting cover over the run, so they can still have dust baths in the non stop rain. Then modifing vents so drafts/winds dont hit the birds in the coop. Any advice from PNW keepers would be great.

 

[redsoxs]

You also might post in the WA thread in this link https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/26/where-am-i-where-are-you

 

[donrae]

Managing mud is the biggest challenge in our area. The weather itself does not get cold enough to effect the birds, as long as they have shelter from the wind and rain.

We put down decomposed granite for the base of the run. Then, deep litter and straw for mud management. My main run is too large to cover, but my smaller runs will be covered and bedded heavily to combat the mud.

Thinking ahead, you'll need to decide how to water, also. We don't get tons of below freezing temps, but you need a plan for even those few days. I just pour warm water in my existing waterers. Some folks use heated dow bowls, etc.