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.
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."
2x bobbij, you don't need to heat the [email protected] 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.
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.
