Winter advice?

[slimak_14]

I'm still reading through the topic in the forum on winter advice for a newbie. From everything i've read so far birds are pretty hardy and if you don't give them heat they will acclimatize to the cold. We live in Poland (think climate like Canada), but our city is a bit of a microclimate and quite a bit warmer, only reaching -10 for 1-2 weeks during the winter.

I'm attaching a picture of our chicken coop, because i'm wondering if it's okay for the winter. Our Polish neighbours, that know farming (although i'm not sure they know chickens) seem convinced that our chickens are going to die this winter from freezing to death.

Any advice welcome! Especially from those in similar climates. I read that clear shower curtains create a bit of a warming effect on the run and that might be a good idea?

 

[Smuvers Farm]

How man chickens? Are they native to your country? Yes, plastic sheeting wrapped around the run, where the most wind blows, is a very good option.

 

[Smuvers Farm]

Adding: You can wrap around the entire bottom half of the run and keep the top half open, or wrap around 3 sides and leave one side open. It's what works best for you and your flock!

 

[ChickenGirl555]

If it's a dry chicken, out of the wind, it can survive up to around -20F, and maybe a little more if they huddle with their friends. Also what breeds are in your flock?

Wisconsin hasn't reached its worst yet, only about 10-20F every night, and my gals act like it's summer!

 

[slimak_14]

we have 8 hens. i'm a little concerned about humidity in the coop throughout the winter and they'll have to come out to their run at least during the day. yes, i believe they are all native to poland... i think they are black rocks, barred rock, a polish brown farm mix/hybrid, and sussex. i forgot to mention that we don't get much snow either... 2 weeks usally max. And the temperature here could get down to -10C (-14F) but not lower.

i do think maybe i'll do 2-3 walls either with plastic or maybe wood boards (or both?) to block wind at least the lower walls under their house... then they'd have a place to huddle/hide from the wind.

does clearing the snow give them something to do/prevent boredom?
thanks for your help!!!

 

[Smuvers Farm]

First, you won't have to worry about humidity as long as your coop has good VENTILATION. If the interior of your coop is moist or smells of ammonia, you need more ventilation.

Also, you wanna clear the snow away from the chickies. I don't think they like to dig through snow. If you want to prevent boredom, hang a cabbage from a top beam or toss some pumpkins or winter melons inside to keep them busy.

 

[BantyChooks]

You've gotten some great advice already. Just figured I'd add that I keep chickens in -40C weather... they're fine. Really cold hardy birds.

 

[Folly's place]

For winter, we wrap the run wall with two layers of clear plastic, leaving the top foot or so open on the south and east sides for ventilation. Prevailing winds here are mostly north and west, and most storms are the same. There's a roof over it all, with overhangs to prevent snow from blowing in. Chickens hate snow!
My coop is much bigger, a walk-in shed structure, much more practical.
Mary

 

[aart]

It's kind of hard to see what you have for a coop there.
Pics of inside of coop and the dimensions please?
Wrapping the run, leaving 6" open a top for ventilation, will help make it a nicer place for them to be during the day....especially if you have windy weather.

 

[Hokum Coco]

Any advice welcome! Especially from those in similar climates.

My method for dealing with winter is quite simple one extra feeder of whole corn. I live in Canada subject to -40º. I have 67 trips around the sun. I have raised various types of chickens and birds for decades.

TLC still has to be provided to birds that may not be adapting well to the diet. For the most part birds are vocal happy and do just fine. NO HEAT NO EXTRA LIGHT please and thank you works fine for me and my flock.

If for any reason you find it necessary to supply electricity to your coop via extension cord.

Please employ a "Ground Fault Outlet" also use a "Safety Chain" in conjunction to any heat lamp or incandescent bulb after mounting.
One coop fire is too many and these precautions could be the difference.

A simple action such as a rodent chewing on your extension cord could be the cause of a coop fire and a ground fault circuit could be the difference in witnessing your coop in tack or a pile of smoldering ash.

P.S. There are now a variety of ground fault extension cords available in major retail centers that also would be a wise investment.