When to close up coop for cold weather

[saysfaa]

I like your coop! It looks very well suited to your climate and well built.

If I were you, I would either take the walls and rafters away as roosting options. Or close in a section of the walls or roof so they can choose a sheltered roost that is as high as they can get to roost. I missed how many chickens you have - the sectioned off option wouldn't work well if the coop is at maximum capacity.

You take away the walls and rafters by fencing them off so the chickens can't physically get to them. Another option might be to stand zip ties vertically on them, close enough together that the chickens don't try. I haven't tried the zip tie option; it might be a much worse option than fencing. I got the idea from - pth, couldn't find it - it was a guy in australia who build a trigger feeder out of a 55 gallon plastic barrel and glued the zip ties on top to keep his chickens off it.

 

[Cryss]

Yes this I know. However my coop has full walls open due to the extreme heat here.
We also had an attack last night where a chicken lost a lot of down feathers it’s about to get really cold and wet. I imagine leaving full walls open isn’t beneficial. However I still plan to keep open the lower level and highest level of all around ventilation. If you looked at the pictures of my coop you’d understand my question more.

Hmmm! I’ve been through the entire thread 3 times and don’t see a photo or a link anywhere to see photos of your coop. I’m on my phone so maybe I’m having a glitch of some sort. I see others saying they like your coop so I’m guessing it’s gotta be my phone acting up. That is definitely a different set up. I’m in NJ where we can get a few temps below zero with nor’easter storms. I guess without seeing it and only going by your description I’d say cover the open sides with either plywood or tarps leaving the usual vents at the top.

 

[Idaho Chicken Bungalow]

I can't locate the pic of the coop...only because I like to see what is out there.

 

[saysfaa]

It is in the article
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/heathen-haven-homestead-coop-from-scrap-material.76872/

 

[Cryss]

It is in the article
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/heathen-haven-homestead-coop-from-scrap-material.76872/

Thank you for that lol! Cool build! Makes more sense now.

 

[HeathenHavenHomestead]

I can't locate the pic of the coop...only because I like to see what is out there.

It’s been linked on this thread now but it’s linked though my page under the “my coop” area