Winter is coming...

[mixedbreeds]

I used a roll of 6mil clear plastic all around my run then put playwood over the top with tarps on that. I did leave about 4 “ open just below the top for ventilation it was nice in there. My run is 360 square feet, put a heated waterer in there and they loved it

 

[Ninjasquirrel]

Depending on what breeds you have the cold shouldn't be an issue. I to am in Indiana and I the past we have had temps way below zero with wind chills -20 and colder. My hens have always done fine and that is with the Windows in the coop still open. Lack of ventilation will cause more problems then the cold. Some people buy the clear plastic shower curtains to make wind blocks for the run.

We have golden comets. Not sure how cold hardy they are. What kind of birds you have?

 

[PattyNH]

I've used this panel heater for the last few years. I have it set to a temp switch so it turns on when it gets under 35°F and off at 45°F. It has worked great, and I live in New England so temp in winter drops below 0°F. I also have a infrared heat lamp that I use as a back up if I'm worried it is getting too cold. It also is enough to keep the water from freezing. I should mention that I use horizontal chicken nipples on my water "source" (actually a Lego container that holds about 2-3 gallons and has a handle so it hangs but rests on a cement paver - I live repurposing!). My current coop is 4ft wide x 6ft long x 4ft high. I had 5 hens in it. Now I got more chicks so moving them to the barn where I'm making a bigger coop. I'll probably get another radiant heater as it will be a much bigger space. Here is the link to the heater I use:
Cozy Products CL Cozy Legs Flat... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FRFFC4W?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

 

[Kat2141]

Me too... works great

I use a heated dog bowl.

 

[Kat2141]

What is to stop them from walking in it though? A quaint idea and rather feasible but changing the water daily is inefficient

We have it setting on a 4x6 block of wood, so they can reach into it, but don't walk in it. They drink quite a bit when it is cold out and the water is warm.

 

[Ninjasquirrel]

Talked to the SO about all your ideas. He's thinking visquine(sp?) for the sides. Anybody use that? Does it work well? We're hoping to do something that we can reuse every year and store during the summer months

 

[aart]

Talked to the SO about all your ideas. He's thinking visquine(sp?) for the sides. Anybody use that? Does it work well? We're hoping to do something that we can reuse every year and store during the summer months

Depends on how thick it is and how you attach it whether it will last for multiple seasons.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

We have golden comets. Not sure how cold hardy they are. What kind of birds you have?

Golden comet is a red sex link. I have 3 Isa Browns which are also red sex links. They did well in their prefab coop this past winter. However, one with a bigger comb did get a little frost bite. Ventilation is key to preventing most frost bite.

 

[Ninjasquirrel]

Depends on how thick it is and how you attach it whether it will last for multiple seasons.

We were thinking stainless steel staples. Ill have to go to the store with him to pick it out. We have some but he meant to get clear...bought black...sigh...

 

[mixedbreeds]

Talked to the SO about all your ideas. He's thinking visquine(sp?) for the sides. Anybody use that? Does it work well? We're hoping to do something that we can reuse every year and store during the summer months

Seriously