Winter debate, coop door open or closed?

[WthrLady]

Huh. Sometimes it's them tucking their heads under their wings and the moisture is from breathing. Nothing you can do about that.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Where are you located? Frostbite can be from moisture or just because it's too cold. I don't believe anywhere in the USA has had cold enough weather yet. I find too much ventilation causes more frostbite here, so I shut up all north and west doors and windows. And do my best to slow down ventilation.

 

[WthrLady]

Lol. We've been down to 0-12°F every night for the past two and a half weeks.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Lol. We've been down to 0-12°F every night for the past two and a half weeks.

We have too, even a few nights below zero but I haven't seen any frostbite yet. I personally don't see any until we get near -20's generally.

 

[WthrLady]

My big comb cockerel gets bit easily in his wattle. He's a head tucker. But I have a total open air coop. So they are used to cold.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

My big comb cockerel gets bit easily in his wattle. He's a head tucker. But I have a total open air coop. So they are used to cold.

Most of my large breed roosters lose comb tissue every winter. The oldest no longer have points. I should keep smaller comb roosters, but I do prefer a single comb.

 

[WthrLady]

Me too.

 

[culturalinfidel]

We keep their coop slider open year round. They come and go as they please. Usually they head in around 7pm and are out every morning around 6ish. If they dont like the elements, they have a nice run under the coop that they retreat to and take dust baths in.

 

[tigger19687]

OK not sure why you don't have an outside Run that is connected to the coop....
Coop CLOSED at night to keep safe from predators.
Door opened in AM for them to go outside in Covered SECURED run.
Unless it is Windy and 0 F outside the door opens (well it is an auto door so it will open anyway). If it is too cold or windy they will just go into the coop.