Hi all, we have a great coop/ run that my husband built this past spring for our chickens! It’s been great in the summer but as we’ve had a few cooler evenings, I’m wondering about whether we need to do anything to winter-ize the coop for the winter? Will the chickens need a heat source or different bedding? We live in Seattle so the weather is cool and damp in the winter but nothing compared to other places in the winter. This summer we have kept the coop door open at night ( the run is fully secure), but wondering if that’s even an option come winter?
for context:
-We have 5 chickens ( buff Orpington, jersey giant, 2 barred rocks, and golden comet)
- their coop is made of plywood so no insulation ( see photo). The window does now have a wooden cover as well that we close at night.
- we use pine shaving inside the coop itself and clean them out every few days.
- Chickens are 16 weeks today.
Any advice would be appreciated! Thank you!!
for context:
-We have 5 chickens ( buff Orpington, jersey giant, 2 barred rocks, and golden comet)
- their coop is made of plywood so no insulation ( see photo). The window does now have a wooden cover as well that we close at night.
- we use pine shaving inside the coop itself and clean them out every few days.
- Chickens are 16 weeks today.
Any advice would be appreciated! Thank you!!