Protecting run in winter

[mrs banana]

I'm in NYC, and I already have plastic around 4.5 sides of the run. Half the roof is covered.

The problem hasn't so much been temperature as wind down here, plus the fact that one is having a pretty serious molt. We've had a couple nights in the 40s, but the wind chill makes it worse.

When it gets to be real winter (I'm thinking first frost), I'll cover the rest of the roof. I am also putting a baffle of sorts in front of the coop pop door, as that will always remain open. The half side not covered will likely remain that way for ventilation.

what do you cover the roof with? we are in the midst of making a larger coop and run for our ladies, on the last nice weekend we will have here in minnesnowda. we are planning to insulate the coop, but haven't decided which material to use yet. and planning on putting plastic around the run. but hadn't given thought to the top of the slanted plastic corrugated roof...
thank you in advance for any advice!

 

[Sally PB]

It does make a bit of a mess when you cut them to size (just a heads up so your flock doesn’t try to eat the little pieces )

I cut mine in the garage, away from the run. Then I can sweep up the mess. Because there is a mess!

Here’s a link. I got 5 gauge. I don’t know how it will hold up in freezing temps but I have a roll of classy classic grey duct tape ready to go JIC

I have that kind of shower curtain. I'm going to be putting them up after this last (wonderful) warm spell is over. This will be their 3rd winter, so it has lasted better than I thought it would.

 

[Lilbitsnpieces]

I live in WNY near Buffalo. We get very cold, snowy winters. It’s also very windy. This is my first winter with chickens. I know this is a basic question but when do you put plastic around the run? Is it according to temperature, weather, or just time of year like November? I want them to use this run all winter if possible. It has a solid roof but all the sides are just HWC. Thank you!

I live on Ne/Ia border..our weather is ALL OVER THE CHARTS
We had low 20s 4 days ago, yesterday and through Monday low 80s! I put 6 mil plastic ..folded so it's 12m...on the north and west of coop ..already done before temp drops..unfolded on east and south..that being said I have vents on all four sides so I can open them when needed..the plastic allows sunlight to enter..on the run I leave a foot at top uncovered for ventilation ..
My girls then can simply go in coop if cold. I have Barred Rocks, Buff Orpingtons and Rhode Island Reds..I remove plastic AFTER nights stay above 50..usually about May..
It's the winds that seem to be the most damaging as well as drafts so the full coverage takes care of them both..I've seen my girls actually walk around in the snow...but won't come out if windy..

 

[Ladymccormick]

I live in WNY near Buffalo. We get very cold, snowy winters. It’s also very windy. This is my first winter with chickens. I know this is a basic question but when do you put plastic around the run? Is it according to temperature, weather, or just time of year like November? I want them to use this run all winter if possible. It has a solid roof but all the sides are just HWC. Thank you!

 

[Ladymccormick]

I live in PA. I put plastic or plexiglass around their small coop that is just enclosed with wire leaving about 1.5” of space open to the ground for air flow. I keep part of it covered year round to keep rain etc from getting in otherwise the rest is just draped by a tarp so the sun doesn’t beat down or snow pile up

 

[TinyRaptorDodos]

I’m in Alaska… winters are hard but we have a lifted coop which is both helpful as unhelpful, i used to just use a heat lamp but that fell and burnt a hole in the bottom of the coop(thankfully all my chickens were fine and the flooring isn’t flammable) so this year I’m going to try something I saw where I bend the lamp down so the metal is resting on thin cement slabs and heating the cement, then I’m going to build a tunnel going from the coop to the barn so they can get through it(they HATE the snow). Hoping for no frost bitten combs this year

 

[micstrachan]

I wrap mine with homemade "clear" reinforced tarps in early November. Before it's so cold out my hands will freeze doing the work.
View attachment 3292160

That looks like a really nice coop and run!

 

[Viking_King]

I’m in SW PA. Winters get cold here and the wind is a problem.

At first, we did the plastic but it torn during the season from wind and the noise scared the girls. So we purchased clear polycarbonate panels (like the green house panels) and installed them with washers and screws. We leave the 1 side open for ventilation that isn’t typically in the wind. They’ve held up wonderfully. A little expensive up front but worth it, IMO.

I put them up and took them down about 7 times last year because the weather was all over the place.

Like here in central N.Y. Stove is running one day, air conditioning is running the next...

 

[Viking_King]

I’m in Alaska… winters are hard but we have a lifted coop which is both helpful as unhelpful, i used to just use a heat lamp but that fell and burnt a hole in the bottom of the coop(thankfully all my chickens were fine and the flooring isn’t flammable) so this year I’m going to try something I saw where I bend the lamp down so the metal is resting on thin cement slabs and heating the cement, then I’m going to build a tunnel going from the coop to the barn so they can get through it(they HATE the snow). Hoping for no frost bitten combs this year

Love the tunnel idea! They do hate the snow!

 

[Viking_King]

That looks like a really nice coop and run!

That's what my wife and I were saying! Very nice setup!