Prepping for our first long New England winter - DIY tarps

[sals_chicks]

Winter is coming... It's our first with the flock, and as the days start to dip into the 40's and the nights down below freezing, we are gathering up the supplies to DIY our own reusable run tarps and winterizing supplies - I thought I would share the process and successes/failures as we go in case it helps anyone else down the road!

Here's a look at our coop/run:

The concept - We wanted something reusable year after year, or at least something that would not have to be replaced EVERY year. Something that was not going to require being screwed in/out yearly, OR stapled yearly, and something that could easily be removed, or partially folded up/down to let more air in on warmer winter days. And finally - something clear, or close-ish to clear so we could still see/enjoy our flock.

The plan, is something similar to the tarps in this picture, canvas edging and grommets to attach to permanent hardware that we install on the exterior of the run.

Tarps will go around the whole run, leaving the gable ends (of the run) open for some continuous airflow/ventillation.

Supplies gathered (so far) -
1. Clear vinyl from Marinevinylfabric.com - we sourced many different plastics, including shower curtains, and polycarbonate & plexi panels and even ordered samples. This was the best bang for the buck that we could find, and is crack tested up to -40*F.
2. Ottertex water proof canvas to edge the tarps with - I ordered this on sale from https://www.fabricwholesaledirect.com
3. Heavy duty outdoor sewing thread from amazon - https://amzn.to/3gplvLo

Still need to source a grommet kit, grommets, and the hardware for the run - I will add those as we figure it out! Of course you will also need sewing supplies (a sewing machine, heavy duty sewing needles, and some clips to hold things together, etc...) and basic sewing skills to make your own tarps. If you are a sewist, you will already have all of these things on hand. I also recommend watching some tutorials on how to add a binding edge, which is basically all I plan to do, just wider than the normal quilt binding.

Wish me luck - cutting and sewing begins this weekend!! I will share the process!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Beautiful setup and good job but I think it is overkill.
I don't mean to be harsh but, please take the following in the spirit it was offered. I'm just trying to help.
What state are you in and what breeds of chickens do you have? Unless they are some fragile breed, you may be cold but your chickens aren't. They look to be breeds that were developed hundreds of years ago in climates just like yours. That is what they are built for. I assure you people didn't take those precautions in the 1800s. I also don't see big open windows in that building. Chickens need oxygen, not warmth. They are outdoor animals, not cave dwellers.

 

[sals_chicks]

Beautiful setup and good job but I think it is overkill.
I don't mean to be harsh but, please take the following in the spirit it was offered. I'm just trying to help.
What state are you in and what breeds of chickens do you have? Unless they are some fragile breed, you may be cold but your chickens aren't. They look to be breeds that were developed hundreds of years ago in climates just like yours. That is what they are built for. I assure you people didn't take those precautions in the 1800s. I also don't see big open windows in that building. Chickens need oxygen, not warmth. They are outdoor animals, not cave dwellers.

Hmm, what a grouchy sounding comment.

It might be overkill to you, to us it's a fun project and something we can hopefully use year after year for our coop rather than contributing to single-use-plastic waste every winter. Everything I read says to wrap the run to cut down drafts for the winter, so our goal is to cut down drafts, not seal it up like a cave, like you say. Like I said, gable sides will be open at the top, and the tarps we make will be able to be removed in panels for airflow whenever we want, vs something that is permanently stapled up all winter.

In the 1800's, people also died from things like diptheria and typhoid fever, so thank goodness we've made advances since then.

 

[Ocho 8 Farm]

Beautiful setup and good job but I think it is overkill.
I don't mean to be harsh but, please take the following in the spirit it was offered. I'm just trying to help.
What state are you in and what breeds of chickens do you have? Unless they are some fragile breed, you may be cold but your chickens aren't. They look to be breeds that were developed hundreds of years ago in climates just like yours. That is what they are built for. I assure you people didn't take those precautions in the 1800s. I also don't see big open windows in that building. Chickens need oxygen, not warmth. They are outdoor animals, not cave dwellers.

Thanks for this reminder! I’m also trying to winterize my coop and i was thinking of doing something similar to Sals chicks. We love our babies and I hate to think they are cold. But you are right! They will adapt to the temperature. I’m glad I read this before I spent any money

 

[Callender Girl]

I truly believe ChickenCanoe isn't being overly critical, just offering a opinion, maybe trying to spare you extra work and/or expense.

I get both points of view.

Your project may be more than needed, but if you are enjoying the project and it makes you feel better about your birds in winter, then why not?

I know that winter is northern Iowa -- where there is the land is endlessly flat and the wind never stops -- is different than in southern Iowa -- a place with landforms and trees. Keeping birds healthy in the winter is more of a challenge here. I broke down and bought some INCREDIBLY expense tarps last year, recommended by someone on BYC, that were far superior to the big box ones I'd used in the past.

Will be looking forward to seeing your project progress!

 

[sals_chicks]

Thanks for this reminder! I’m also trying to winterize my coop and i was thinking of doing something similar to Sals chicks. We love our babies and I hate to think they are cold. But you are right! They will adapt to the temperature. I’m glad I read this before I spent any money

Again - its not about the cold, but the drafts and wind...

If removing the drafts from the coop is so vital, and I don't want my chickens to be inside the coop for 6 straight months, I would think removing the drafts from the run would be just as vital for the cold months.

 

[sals_chicks]

I broke down and bought some INCREDIBLY expense tarps last year, recommended by someone on BYC, that were far superior to the big box ones I'd used in the past.

We did price out some custom made tarps as well - they were SOOOOO expensive, but we can make our own with the same exact supplies for about 1/4th the price if it goes well! I guess I would always just rather have the panels ready to use when needed, rather than scrambling to staple up plastic during a miserable nor-easter.

 

[aart]

Are the eave soffits open on both the run and the coop?
Blocking wind is good, blocking all air flow is not.

 

[sals_chicks]

I understand about ventilation 1000% - it is at the utmost pinnacle of every decision I make, and is something I can and will adjust as needed, I have signed my oath in blood to the ventilation gods, and have already sacrificed one of my 2 children in a lovely ceremony.

Again, as previously stated - goals are to eliminate the harsh new england winter drafts, not seal it up like a spacesuit on mars.

 

[Krugerrand]

Be sure to take a look at this post by @21hens-incharge
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...w-to-hang-how-to-secure.1547060/post-26122184

They can also be purchased on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Snap-Clamp-Inch-Inches-White/dp/B0050B0N06/
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AIE89CY

There is an "EZ" option that slides on and off a little bit easier, depending on what you want.

When I built my hoop run last year, I went with these and they work great. I stuck with them in my recent hoop tractor.

I'm not sure how they compare price-wise for you ... but they sure are nice from a simplicity standpoint.