Winter Time Coops

[littleledgefarm]

I live in the northern part of maine, where we get quite a bit of snow, and temperatures drop below 0 for long periods of time. I read an article stating that with the proper breeds, that you only need insulate you chicken coop and provide air flow at the top to prevent the inside from becoming too humid, you wont need a heating lamp inside. I just wanted to get some feed back from others who know what chickens need during the cold winter months to keep them happy and health. I have Buff Orpingtons and Red Sexlinks, which I was told were good breeds for the cold. Any info is appreciated.

 

[ECBW]

This is a hot topic. I am in NJ. My winter strategy has worked for years.

My coop is not insulated, pretty tight but not caulked or sealed.

There are vents below the roof and in all directions. The vents are all operable, to adjust to wind direction.

The operable pop door is only big enough for one chicken (9wx10h). I have not need to close it.

The only heat source in the coop are the water warmer and the birds.

 

[JackE]

Coops like mine, (Woods) were used up through Maine and Canada. It's a proven 100yr old design. No insulation, (chickens have their own), no added heat. Plenty of fresh air/ventilation is much more important.
Jack

 

[SillyChicky]

Jack that's a beautiful coop! I'm getting Speckled Sussex and I'm in Alberta, our winters are very long and very cold. I read that these birds are very hardy in winter and our coop is well insulated. I don't recall any vents in the roof but I"ll look today when I'm in there cleaning. I'm sure husband can make some

 

[littleledgefarm]

Thanks for the information. Im just finishing up my Chicken coop within the next couple of weeks, and I have been holding off on finishing the inside in the event i would have to insulate it. Thanks again.

 

[RoostersCrow HensDeliver!]

A rose or pea comb breed would fare much better in severe cold but with the proper precautions, you shouldn't have any problems with your hens getting frostbite.

They will be just fine with a draft free but well ventilated coop. If the air is damp in the coop, they can get frostbite on their combs and wattles. Keep their bedding as dry as possible.

 

[toniartist]

JackE, I would love to know more about your coop. I put open windows all around my coop and open ventilation around the top under the roof. My chickens are sleeping next to the windows. Can you comment on that please?

 

[JackE]

JackE, I would love to know more about your coop. I put open windows all around my coop and open ventilation around the top under the roof. My chickens are sleeping next to the windows. Can you comment on that please?

The link below has a bunch of info on coops like mine. Windows around the coop can be a good thing. But, not knowing what kind of winter weather you get, you may want to close some of them.

http://archive.org/stream/openairpoultryho00wood#page/n0/mode/2up

Below is an old thread I put up on my coop. On pg4, you can see interior pics.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/445004/woods-style-house-in-the-winter