Roosting question

[NHMountainMan]

I'd just almost close the windows, again, as long as the winds won't be strong. You want that ventilation.
And I guarantee the chickens were just fine. 39F isn't that cold.

Thank you. My thought is that as the molt and prepare for winter, having some temp declines might "harden" them in prep for the sub zero temps to come.

 

[aart]

My thought is that as the molt and prepare for winter, having some temp declines might "harden" them in prep for the sub zero temps to come.

Birds that age won't be molting......but they do need to acclimate to cooler temps.

 

[DobieLover]

Thank you. My thought is that as the molt and prepare for winter, having some temp declines might "harden" them in prep for the sub zero temps to come.

You definitely do not want to baby them and try to "keep them warm". That is a mistake. Just be cognizant of what the weather will be like and adjust how far open to leave your windows.
Personally, I would not change the roost height. Just close and open windows appropriately. I haven't even installed my windows yet and I have three that are at level with the roosts.
I really do need to get my windows installed soon though.

 

[NHMountainMan]

@ValerieJ[/USER]
The roosting bars are at window height. I can drop the bars below window height or above. Thoughts?

Interesting question. I think the roosting bars should be below the windows. They are trying to get somewhere that the air is not blowing directly on them. You want the air flow at the top. Maybe you could leave them open and block the bottom half with plexiglass or something.

That being said, sometimes I think chickens like to cozy up. I have 3 coops and often I find 6 or 7 chickens stuffed into one little 4x4 coop. Then there are only a couple in the 4x10. So, chickens. [/QUOTE]
Thank you. I'm a really analytical person that studies patterns and "trends" and tries to predict the future (that more or less sums up the career I retired from - forecasting) but I'm learning that either chickens are truly unpredictable and/or I need more experience. I'm confident that when winter hits, they'll be warm enough and out of the wind with proper ventilation above. It's the transition from summer to fall in the mountains that I'm unsure of. Thanks for the advice and suggestions.

 

[NHMountainMan]

You definitely do not want to baby them and try to "keep them warm". That is a mistake. Just be cognizant of what the weather will be like and adjust how far open to leave your windows.
Personally, I would not change the roost height. Just close and open windows appropriately. I haven't even installed my windows yet and I have three that are at level with the roosts.
I really do need to get my windows installed soon though.

I'm jealous. That's fantastic. I wish I'd really planned for how much I'm enjoying the chickens. I'd have built bigger. And now I'm looking for a shed or coop for next year.

 

[NHMountainMan]

Birds that age won't be molting......but they do need to acclimate to cooler temps.

Thank you. That's info I'd not seen before.

 

[DobieLover]

I'm jealous. That's fantastic. I wish I'd really planned for how much I'm enjoying the chickens. I'd have built bigger. And now I'm looking for a shed or coop for next year.

That's my second coop. Click on the "My Coop" link under my avvy and you can read how I made it. It is a shed to coop conversion. I am so glad I did it. It is ever so much easier to work in and with than the first coop I built when I was still in the newbie stage.

 

[NHMountainMan]

This^^^

Are your roosts still set up like this?:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/mountain-ledge-coop-95-done-advice-needed.1324961/

That is also the only 2x4 roost. The others may be too small.


Are your soffits open for ventilation?
(Sorry, I know we've discussed this but I CRS.)

CRS... Same here. Wife tells me I have cancer brain. After recovery - nothing seems to stick!

 

[Folly's place]

Consider closing the north and west windows, especially if they are next to the roosts. There still needs to be ventilation, just not the winter wind blowing on the birds directly.
I didn't read your description of the changes you made out there, sorry.
With a new coop, it may take some adjustments to sort out what will work best, and it's good to start early!
Mary

 

[townchicks]

I have a window in my small coop that doesn't open and is there just for light. The ventilation is all above their heads. Mine still always choose the side of the roost away from the window. I figured they felt more secure where the walls were solid. They don't realize the window is also solid, I think. My new babies always sleep in a pile, even when it has been hot, and they huddle by the window in their coop, which also is not open. Go figure. Chickens, ya know?