Snow proof?

[ccmarie]

How do you make or find a really really cheap coop that's snow proof? And how do you build a run or let them excersize when the ground is covered in snow?

 

[rooster0209]

Don't Know. I bet they wont mind walking on the snow when the weather is nice. Keeping the run cleared of deep snow or possibly putting on a temporary metal roof would work.

I saw on a web page, where the owners were replacing windows and had put some old windows against a fence. Well, like normal on some farms the old windows ended up staying propped against the fence. During the winter the Guinea's would get under them and sun bathe.

 

[fullhouse]

I have seen runs covered in clear drop cloths like a green house in the winter.

 

[SterlingAcres]

I'm thinking about throwing a heavy tarp over our run in the winter and just scooping off as much snow as I can... Usually, we only get one decent sized storm a year here. I think total accumulation last year left us with 18-24" once.

 

[happyhen]

We plan on using heavy clear plastic to cover the run and create a dry, warm and windproof spot for them this winter.

 

[Daycare Mom]

We are going to cover part of our run this winter. I have seen pictures of chickens in the snow, I hope mine don't mind the snow too much.

 

[Firefyter-Emt]

That was part of my planning with the run portion of my coop. The roof is already covered with a peaked tin roof, and the run walls are just over 6' high on the sides and 8' long. I planned to buy two 6' x 8' blue (silver if I can find them) tarps and install wood screw to 1/4"-20 bolt studs where the grommets sit. I will then use large fender washers and nuts to bolt the tarps over both sides of the run. The door end will remain open to the weather for airflow.

Pre-planning is the reason it took me two years to build the coop!

 

[ridgefire]

To let mine stretch their legs so to speak, when they don't want out in the sub zero temps we get in northern Michigan I am going to leave the inside door open so they have full access to the barn during the day.

 

[Emzyyy]

We didn't have a coop last year and this year we r building one, but last year I took one of those old plastic ponds you put underground flipped it over and cut a door w/ a saw filled it w/ hay and they we're warm.