Too cold

[ashley89045]

Last night my coop got 14 degrees, before we decided to bring the girls indoors.
We have one window for ventilation, probably 4 inch by 5 inch.Otherwise, it should be draft free. The problem is that the chickens are roosting right in front of the window.
We've considered covering half of the window. We've also talked about taking down the roost at the top of the coop but leaving the lower one.
A friend suggested a heated roosting bar but I don't want to do anything unnecessary.
Suggestions! Thank you

 

[TwentyOneChickens]

Last night my coop got 14 degrees, before we decided to bring the girls indoors.
We have one window for ventilation, probably 4 inch by 5 inch.Otherwise, it should be draft free. The problem is that the chickens are roosting right in front of the window.
We've considered covering half of the window. We've also talked about taking down the roost at the top of the coop but leaving the lower one.
A friend suggested a heated roosting bar but I don't want to do anything unnecessary.
Suggestions! Thank you

That was brave of you to bring your hens inside!

Chickens are normally cold hardy, though it depends on the breed. There are heaters that you can buy if you hook up electricity in there. We have a heater near the roost that we turn on in the winter.

 

[chrissynemetz]

If it were me, I would probably take the roost directly in front of the window down and leave the lower one. I wouldn't want to cover any of the window because they need the ventilation. How many chickens do you have? And how big is your coop?

 

[rosemarythyme]

Not sure where you're located or how many birds you have, but if that window is your only source of ventilation you probably need MORE ventilation, not less. Have you actually checked for drafts inside with the window fully open?

 

[Mrs. K]

Dropping the high roost is a good idea. It would get them down away from the ceiling too. I would not add heat.

 

[aart]

but if that window is your only source of ventilation you probably need MORE ventilation, not less.

Ditto Dat!^^

How many chickens do you have? And how big is your coop?

Yes, important questions!
Dimensions and pics(inside and out) fo your coop and run would help us help you.

Last night my coop got 14 degrees

14°F or C?
Wow, early in the season to be at 14°F already!
Unless you're gong to keep the birds inside all winter,
need to bolster your coop management.


Oh, and....Welcome to BYC! @ashley89045
I'm guessing that 89405 is your zip code inn NV, but.....
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, (laptop version shown), then it's always there!

 

[21hens-incharge]

I agree we need more info.

Pics help a TON.

We have been in the single digits and right now are 5°F with a wind chill of -6°F.

Proper ventilation is a must.