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Winter approaching the flock

Discussion in 'Managing Your Flock' started by MattH, Oct 19, 2015.

Most Liked Posts
  1. Oct 19, 2015 #1
    MattH

    MattH Out Of The Brooder

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    Jun 3, 2015
    Culpeper, VA
    I have 5 hens and 1 rooster. We had our first frost the last 2 nights. My coop is rather large, at least 90 sqft. They have plenty of room on the top roost pole for all 6 of them, which is where they all go... To the top. There is a small window 2"x4' they can look out of when they are on the top roost pole. On the opposite side of the coop there is a 1'x1' window about 3' above the ground. The coop isn't sealed tight, so it is already pretty drafty. I am doing the deep litter method, but had to restart it about 2 months ago so I could train my hens to lay in their nesting boxes. Do yall have any ideas to help keep my birds warmer in the soon to come colder months. I do not want to run electric to the coop, or use a heat lamp. I live in Central VA.
     
    Last edited: Oct 19, 2015
  3. Oct 19, 2015 #2
    bobbi-j

    bobbi-j Chicken Obsessed

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    Mar 15, 2010
    On the MN prairie.
    In VA you have no need for a heat lamp. Your chickens will be fine as long as they can stay dry and out of the elements. I'm in MN, and usually don't get around to even closing the windows until it gets close to zero. I don't think the draftiness of the coop will even be a big problem unless you get heavy winds blowing rain or snow into the coop. They do need ventilation. One rule of thumb is, "as long as there isn't enough wind to ruffle their feathers."
     
    1 person likes this.
  5. Oct 19, 2015 #3
    Spartan22

    Spartan22 Chillin' With My Peeps

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    Sep 2, 2014
    North Canton, Ohio
    2x bobbij, you don't need to heat the coop@ this time. I'm in NE Ohio and we have dipping temps the last 2 nights. All my coop windows were open during those times. Just keep them dry and out of direct wind and have adequate ventilations.
     
  7. Oct 20, 2015 #4
    Egghead_Jr

    Egghead_Jr Overrun With Chickens

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    Oct 16, 2010
    NEK, VT
    Your birds can go outside everyday in winter too. I'm a stones through away from Canada and my birds spend everyday out in winter. They need cover from freezing rain, I have to shovel snow or have covered run, and a tarp on the prevailing wind side or two of run is all they need.
     

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