Preparing Your Flock & Coop for WINTER

[Skeeter10]

im not sure how well those nipple waterers work can i get some feedback

 

[Skeeter10]

how well does permanent isalation work is it hot in the summr moonths is there a insulation that keeps it cool in summer and warm in winter can i get feedback

 

[sunnypj]

HI, I used the nipple waterers in the summer this year and it worked great, chickens caught on really quickly and they seemed to think it was fun to make water drip on the ground so they could dig at it. Took it out for winter as I was not sure of a good way to keep it from freezing. Definately kept the run a lot cleaner and I didn't have to worry about changing the water all the time because they walked through it.

 

[lazy gardener]

this is our coop winterized in quebec canada. this was our car tent we added to the coop to give them more room to run around in winter. we insulated the shed and reinforced it.

Nice chickie condo.

how well does permanent isalation work is it hot in the summr moonths is there a insulation that keeps it cool in summer and warm in winter can i get feedback

Insulation gives you protection against excess heat and cold. The only down side of using it is the extra expense, and the possibility of it providing a nice haven for external parasites and mice. Also, you have to install it with a covering over it so the chickens can't get to it.

 

[myhenSunrise]

I have a coop, it's been poorly built I kinda think. But it's also very old. It has cracks in the boards, half the insulation is gone, and there are also small holes in the floor. I have straw as bedding, but by the door, it always
Gets wet. I have small bantams this year, and not as many chickens in the coop to keep each other warm, I've done my best to keep it warm as possible. But I was hoping I could get a few tips? It's not my coop, it's my grandpas, and I can't fix it myself either. I'm going hunting through our house today to find our big roll of plastic, and with my dad's help, will be putting it around the coop. Also am hunting through our district for milkcrates. Ill huddle them close together and put straw all over them. That way the banties and the chicks can go huddle in there. And when we go to town again, which is hopefully today, I will be getting 1-2 big storage crates, turning them upside down, and cutting one whole on either side. That way, my chickens can use it like a hothouse, and it will be easy to clean contemplating using two to make one house, that way I can put straw between the two and insulate it better. But any other ideas will be appreciated.

 

[lazy gardener]

IMO, those crates will hold too much moisture, and make them prone to frost bite. What about tacking up some cardboard around the perch area? My bigger concern would be the vulnerability of your flock to predators: rats, weasels... I don't know if larger predators could get in.

 

[Skeeter10]

Also what is the best way to make something like a hot house in side of a coop for the 12 chickens i have i am limited to materials and my coop right now is a 14 by 12 storage shed and the run is about 10 feet wide by 12 or 13 feet long and ruffly 3 or 4 feet tall thanks for the help so far

 

[TalkALittle]

Skeeter, why do you need to give them a hot house? What are the average and lowest temperatures in your area? In many cases just keeping them dry and draft free is all that's needed. That allows their feathers to keep them warm.

 

[Skeeter10]

i live in ohio its unpredictable for tempratures

 

[cricketmt]

i live in ohio its unpredictable for tempratures

Montana too...I live in Helena which is known for beautiful clear skies, and sometimes a warm flash in January or February where it's in the 50's to 70's. But the wind! And it can also be -20 or colder at night for weeks on end.

My goal is to close drafts and give them a dry place outside during the day. My husband neglected to add insulation to the roof (really? he insulated all the walls and the floor though)...so I may get some insulation board, cut it just a bit too big and have the teenager wedge it up in the coop ceiling between the rafters.