Winter... brrr!

[Doc McCluckins]

That's a dark scary looking coop. You could block the back and side with something clear like plexiglass, or clear roof panels, and they will be fine roosting out there in my opinion.

I had considered adding some siding to the back half as a wind break. I don't know what scares them about it. They lay in there. Just no roosting.

 

[tboilegh]

We live in Ohio, last night was the coldest this year and it only got down to about 20... so I guess some of y'all get alot colder!

 

[aart]

If birds are not going into a coop when it's cold and/or windy outside,
the coop needs to be assessed to make sure it is adequate in space and ventilation for the number of birds expected to roost there, as well as for light, pests, etc.

 

[tigger19687]

Today is our first snow. Pop door is open and I threw out some sprouts this morning and tossed feed inside the coop on the shaving floor. This way they can stay out or go in and have something to do.
Right now it is just flurrying and they are out.
Out in the run they have a kids toy house to roost in, they do this during the day normally.
Over the pop door entrance is a dog house to block wind and an over hang to keep some snow off .

So far they are outside, and now in and out. Not sure they know what they want. But also the other side of my duplex is getting a kitchen do-over so it is noisy out.

 

[aart]

Today is our first snow. Pop door is open and I threw out some sprouts this morning and tossed feed inside the coop on the shaving floor. This way they can stay out or go in and have something to do.

I don't see any snow there?
Need a fresh pic!

 

[cacklemama]

Should I be concerned about the temp in the coop as well as winds. I'm not seeing any signs of drafts via ventilation but the temp is 32f at 2:40 in the afternoon and will go down further as night approaches. Right now it's snowing at the Jersey shore and they are in the run which is covered doing normal chicken things.

 

[Crooked Chicken]

I don't think the temperature is a concern. Drafts and mositure from lack of ventilation is more important. It was 23F in my coop this morning and it actually felt nice compared to outside where it was breezy. I always have some straw and pine shavings on the floor to cushion their feet, collect poo and also because I have a couple of ducks. I tossed in another half bale of straw in this morning. While I cleaned poop boards, my birds went to town spreading the straw.

 

[chickens really]

Here in Canada in the more northern parts...We heat our Coops..All animals need warmth even Chickens...

 

[Doc McCluckins]

Update on my silly d'Uccles. The past two nights I have been going out as they roost and placing them in their coop. They always stay there until morning and seem to like it once they are inside. I am thinking they just got into the habit of roosting on the perches in the run and on top of the coop. I will be building a coop very similar to this one soon and will make the coop go all the way up with roosting bars inside for the next one. I will probably modify the existing one at that time as well.

 

[tigger19687]

@aart here ya go

fyi, where the Pond is, I put wood over it to keep most of the snow out. This pic was before I went out to shovel.
Here is after i shoveled a path to the other side of run and there is a pile of Sprouts near the door. No they didn't go down the path