Winter debate, coop door open or closed?

[Big Red Roosters]

I was always taught to lock up the coop for winter, never leave the door open, rush in, feed/water, and rush out. No chickens allowed outside until the snow melts next year.
Recently it was brought to my attention by another Nebraskan chicken owner, to leave the door open unless there's high winds. This way they can still wander around if they want to, but dont necessarily have to.. its "unhealthy and cruel" to lock them up for months.. What are your opinions of this? I am a bit suspicious to try it after never doing it before. What do you do during winter weather?

 

[BantyChooks]

I live in the north, where there can sometimes be weeks where we don't scrape 0*F. I leave the doors open unless it's really windy or snowing hard. The birds appreciate it and stay out nearly all the time.
This picture was taken when it was -1F.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

My flocks have always been given the option to go in/out at will (this includes in areas with temps below 0 and feet of snow). The pop door is open during the day, closed at night. Windows open per prevailing winds, vents open.

 

[Well Seasoned]

I'll leave their small coop door open. The run is covered with plastic, so not as drafty when it's windy. Chickens have free choice whether to go out or not

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

It was about 15 degrees the day this was taken...whole flock out in the uncovered run waiting to be let out to range

 

[Big Red Roosters]

I will not lie, I was very shocked to see my flock leave the coop and actually touch the snow. They are having a heyday. Thank you all again for your input, it appears you made my flock's day, and mine too.

 

[chicky-little]

I live in the north, where there can sometimes be weeks where we don't scrape 0*F. I leave the doors open unless it's really windy or snowing hard. The birds appreciate it and stay out nearly all the time.
This picture was taken when it was -1F.
View attachment 1586672

We had to fight with our ducks to stay in their insulated hut in -30°C. They were out most if the day and got locked up at night.

 

[aart]

I leave the pop door open most days, but it is protected from the prevailing west wind...which also, along with another old window pane on the north side, protects the part of the run that is under the coop. My run has only mesh walls and roof. and tho I do clear the snow from parts of the run....during blizzards I leave the pop door closed, cause I know they won't go out. I have about 6-8sqft per bird inside coop, definitely helps alleviate 'Cabin Fever' on the nastiest days.

 

[Big Red Roosters]

I'll leave their small coop door open. The run is covered with plastic, so not as drafty when it's windy. Chickens have free choice whether to go out or not

My flocks have always been given the option to go in/out at will (this includes in areas with temps below 0 and feet of snow). The pop door is open during the day, closed at night. Windows open per prevailing winds, vents open.

That's good to know. I will go ahead and give open doors a try. Thank you for your input, it seems I'm still learning a lot

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I think no matter how long one has chickens, there is always something to learn.

When I first got chickens, we would keep them locked up tight all winter. Doors and windows closed,heat lamp to keep water thawed. Every year, I’d have chickens with frostbite and respiratory issues come spring. For as strong as the ammonia would get, I’m surprised they didn’t all die.

Then I read about ventilation. Now I don’t even put the windows in the coop until it’s close to zero. The pop door stays open day and night unless it’s in the teens below. My birds are much happier and healthier because of it.

If you think about it the same thing happens to people. We over heat our houses, don't get enough fresh air, and exercise in winter and people are sick all winter with the cold and flu.

We personally keep our house cooler in winter 63-65 and we go outside all day. Very seldom do my husband and I get sick where all my siblings with their hot houses are sick multiple times in winter. Too much heat and not enough fresh air isn't good for any critter.