Hey MysticScorpio82, people have handled the problem of cold winters several ways if they have chicken tractors. First off, a lot of people do use the tractor all year as the only residence for their flock. If it's super cold for a long period where you are, then the kind with an exposed run probably isn't for you. Something in a barn or shed style might be better.
I have seen some creative solutions though. Check out this youtube video:
. These people live in upstate NY, obviously very cold long winters there, and the hens are in a chicken tractor in the snow. They have a clear plastic shower curtain laid over the exposed parts of the side, but the ends are open to keep the air circulating, but not rushing around the hens.
The other thing to consider is what birds you have. A brahma, cochin, or other big fluffy bird with feathers on their feet are more likely to stay perfectly safe in very low temps. I believe the buckeye was specifically bred to have a practically nonexistent comb in order to be more cold-resistant.
Something else you could do is run a regular 120 watt light bulb out to the loft portion, just to keep it a little warmer. Apparently that's what the designer of the Catawba coop did. He had chicks out there in October with temps below 20 at night and they did just fine with the 120 watt bulb in there.
Hope this helps!
I have seen some creative solutions though. Check out this youtube video:
The other thing to consider is what birds you have. A brahma, cochin, or other big fluffy bird with feathers on their feet are more likely to stay perfectly safe in very low temps. I believe the buckeye was specifically bred to have a practically nonexistent comb in order to be more cold-resistant.
Something else you could do is run a regular 120 watt light bulb out to the loft portion, just to keep it a little warmer. Apparently that's what the designer of the Catawba coop did. He had chicks out there in October with temps below 20 at night and they did just fine with the 120 watt bulb in there.
Hope this helps!
