SE PA - Show me your coops... please

[Buugette]

I live in South Eastern PA and would love to see what those local use as a coop for 10 chickens or less. Worried about winter and my babies. I only have 6 bantams, and my hubby insists that they stay outside this winter (they were babies last year and lived in my sunroom all winter). If possible, please post pics of the outside, inside and note if you insulated.

Thank you so much.

Diana

 

[birdicus7]

Hi Diana,

I'm from Chester County and here's my link. I hope it helps. Good luck! It should be sized for about 10 birds but right now there are 18. Several roos will be moving.


https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=63377

 

[Buugette]

Quote:
NICE coop! Are your windows open all winter? They did okay last winter? (Perhaps I'm just tooooooooo worried...)

 

[birdicus7]

Quote:
NICE coop! Are your windows open all winter? They did okay last winter? (Perhaps I'm just tooooooooo worried...)

This will by my first winter with this coop. My last coop was actually in the woods and much colder in the winter and they were fine. The top area will remain open, I have closeable windows on there now that are hinged at the top and depending on the weather I prop them open different widths. The door and vents all have plexiglas covers that slide in place. You will need more ventilation than you think. As long as you have wide roosts (2x4 on side) the birds can roost on their feet to keep them warm. The only other thing to watch is their combs. The key is ventilation with out drafts. I also have a metal roof vent on the coop now so I can leave the side windows in the doors closed. All openings are at the top away from my birds. The coop is not insulated nor is it heated. There will be a water heater as needed.

 

[ktbarns.com]

Here are some coops you may like

 

[ZombieChickens]

Lancaster county girl here. This is my almost free (Craigslist doghouse, used lumber) coop.

The doghouse is insulated. Keep your eyes open and you may just get lucky!

 

[Cindy in PA]

 

[Buugette]

Thanks everyone...

Question - ZombieChickens - How many do you have in your little coop?

I have a 2 1/2 by 3 ft little coop.

I have 6 bantams... 3 silkies and 3 polish. I was worried they wouldn't have enough room over the winter if they had to stay in the coop... but I'm getting the idea that they spend time outside in the cold? If they are closed up good at night with proper ventilation they should be fine? Doesn't seem like much room to move around, but then again, I guess they won't be dancing in the coop... just mine seems sooooooooooooooo small.

D

 

[ZombieChickens]

Unfortunately, I have too many in my coop. There are 5 RIRs and one belgian banty. I'm looking at trying to get a bigger structure, hopefully an outhouse, before winter. And also a Barred Rock and an EE or two.

But for now it's ok for them.

 

[kingdr85]

Quote:
I love your coop!!! - did you build it or buy it?