Winter is coming

[Team Woodlawn]

How much do I need to think about protecting my chickens from the elements? They have a pretty open coop - it's a gigantic thing that's 100% raccoon-proof (I'm in an urban setting). There's a wood door and they sleep up against it in a sheltered area. There is a plastic roof to keep out the rain.

I have a light in the coop that I can turn on for warmth (used it when they were chicks), but I don't know that they'd like be blasted with light all night.

It doesn't get super cold here at night (not really any snow, some freezing) so I'm wondering if I can just pad them well with straw.

I've never had chickens through the winter, but I used to keep ducks and they did just fine in the winter.

Any thoughts are appreciated!

 

[FrontPorchIndiana]

What breed of birds do you have? When you say "pretty open" do you mean no walls, etc.? Really the key to keeping chickens in the winter is to provide them a dry, draft free shelter. Exotic type birds may need a little more than that.

 

[Team Woodlawn]

Okay, great thanks. I was thinking I probably should add more shelter. There are reinforced chicken wire sides and a solid wood door.

As for the breeds, I need to post some pics in another post because I am just not sure what I have (and can't recall from when I purchased) other than I know I have some cochins.

Thanks much!

 

[Omran]

Quote:
if you can post a picture of your coop,that will help us know exactly what the situation is. plus pictures are always the fun part.

Omran.

 

[FrontPorchIndiana]

Then yes, I'd agree I think you'll need more shelter. Something enclosed but with some ventilation.

 

[Wildsky]

I would think 3 sides and a roof would be ok - so long as you don't get lots of wind which will make it feel colder.

My lot are in a fully enclosed coop - they do have a window open into the horse barn, to get air etc... but its alos alot colder here, and our cold comes with wind which is just nasty.