post your chicken coop pictures here!

[smcgill]

I love this site............so many great ideas and my mind just spins when I read about everyone's coops and their ideas. I begin wondering how I can/could improve mine or how I might could winterize mine better.

This is the first winter with my new coop and I worry that they handle the cold without any problem. This is also their first winter but I'm just being too motherly!

I too am having these same thoughts. I couldn't say it any better.

 

[iwiw60]

I love this site............so many great ideas and my mind just spins when I read about everyone's coops and their ideas. I begin wondering how I can/could improve mine or how I might could winterize mine better.

This is the first winter with my new coop and I worry that they handle the cold without any problem. This is also their first winter but I'm just being too motherly!

You should head on over to the this BYC thread:

PREPARING YOUR FLOCK & COOP FOR WINTER
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/920320/preparing-your-flock-coop-for-winter

You'll find loads of great info there!

 

[perchie.girl]

I love this site............so many great ideas and my mind just spins when I read about everyone's coops and their ideas. I begin wondering how I can/could improve mine or how I might could winterize mine better.

This is the first winter with my new coop and I worry that they handle the cold without any problem. This is also their first winter but I'm just being too motherly!

Quote:
Most chickens do quite well with very little insulation.... All they need is protection from the wind and Rain and snow. They put off quite a few BTUs themselves.... LOL So providing them space with lots of ventilation (to keep away any condensation) is the key. Condensation is a killer in cold climates.

I am speaking from reading Volumes.... My coop is in the desert and yes we do get snow and very very cold in the winter time. I have tarps for roof and tarps for walls over Chainlink. We get temps down below freezing along with winds that top 80 miles an hour on occasion. Though Deserts are dry we do get snow. and my girls were happily out makin tracks in the snow on those days too. When they go to roost for the night I have boards that are flat and about four inches wide and they hunger down to cover their toes with feathers at night... And sit close together... the tarps allow the air to be still inside the coop area but believe me its the same temp inside as it is outside.

I have stacked straw bales on wind facing sides to reinforce the tarps.... they add an extra measure of proctection.

deb

 

[farmeristas]

Amazing coops everyone guys keep up good work!!!

 

[iwiw60]

Most chickens do quite well with very little insulation.... All they need is protection from the wind and Rain and snow. They put off quite a few BTUs themselves.... LOL So providing them space with lots of ventilation (to keep away any condensation) is the key. Condensation is a killer in cold climates.

I am speaking from reading Volumes.... My coop is in the desert and yes we do get snow and very very cold in the winter time. I have tarps for roof and tarps for walls over Chainlink. We get temps down below freezing along with winds that top 80 miles an hour on occasion. Though Deserts are dry we do get snow. and my girls were happily out makin tracks in the snow on those days too. When they go to roost for the night I have boards that are flat and about four inches wide and they hunger down to cover their toes with feathers at night... And sit close together... the tarps allow the air to be still inside the coop area but believe me its the same temp inside as it is outside.

I have stacked straw bales on wind facing sides to reinforce the tarps.... they add an extra measure of proctection.

deb

EXCELLENT post! And you're right...no matter where you live it's the cold winds and humidity/condensation that are the deathly culprits to chickens. Enjoyed reading your post!

 

[TJordan]

Yeah!!! I got eggs again today!!!! First time in a month. Only problem is.... One of my biggest hens have started showing broody signs and my husband says no.... She was hiding 3 eggs under her and nipped at me when I went to get them... Sounds like broody... Ideas? I've posted in the broody hen area as well but this thread seems more active. Should I add a broody hen retreat to the new coop we are about to build lol..... Will the chicks survive the colder weather?

 

[perchie.girl]

Yeah!!! I got eggs again today!!!! First time in a month. Only problem is.... One of my biggest hens have started showing broody signs and my husband says no.... She was hiding 3 eggs under her and nipped at me when I went to get them... Sounds like broody... Ideas? I've posted in the broody hen area as well but this thread seems more active. Should I add a broody hen retreat to the new coop we are about to build lol..... Will the chicks survive the colder weather?

most definately include a broody retreat in the coop.... You will use it for a number of reasons. Some people just put a long enclosure under the nest boxes in their coops.... Easy to board off from other hens "adding" to a nest. And keeps momma and chicks eclosed while they are hatching. Also all the other chickens will see em so there will be little to no introductions later on.

Broody spaces can also be isolation lounges too.... Rowdy roo or hen or sick bays for injuries.... Actual sick chickens should be removed from the flock and housed in a biosecure area....

deb

 

[TJordan]

most definately include a broody retreat in the coop.... You will use it for a number of reasons.  Some people just put a long enclosure under the nest boxes in their coops....  Easy to board off from other hens "adding" to a nest.  And keeps momma and chicks eclosed while they are hatching.  Also all the other chickens will see em so there will be little to no introductions later on.

Broody spaces can also be isolation lounges too....  Rowdy roo or hen or sick bays for injuries....  Actual sick chickens should be removed from the flock and housed in a biosecure area.... 

deb

Thanks... I just swiped my 4th egg from that broody girl... She's not happy with me right now lol.....but I will be adding that retreat for her...

 

[perchie.girl]

Quote:
Also be aware a broody hen can and will steal eggs.... even shove them up under their armpits and carry them some distance. ....

deb

 

[TJordan]

Also be aware a broody hen can and will steal eggs....  even shove them up under their armpits and carry them some distance.  ....   

deb

that would be a sight.... :cd

Eggs eggs give me your EGGS!!!! Lol...