Winterized! I think....

[Chichi_08]

I knew it was coming but it finally end below 0 last night (-10c). I wrapped the run in thick construction plastic, covered all the vents in the coop, added another bag of wood shavings inside the coop and gave the chickens a new bale of straw to play with. When I checked on them this morning everyone seemed well but the water froze over night, which I had anticipated. I went and purchased water base this morning. Hopefully this will prevent it from feeezing again. I think I’ve done all my research and my ladies should be ok for the winter, but seeing as I’m completely new to this I would love some feedback and/or suggestions to help us survive the harsh Canadian winters.

 

[junebuggena]

You blocked up all the ventilation in the coop. BIG MISTAKE. Ventilation is just as important in very cold weather as it is in hot weather. All that ammonia and moisture generated overnight needs to be able to escape the coop. A sealed up coop is a recipe for respiratory illness and frostbite. As long as the coop is well vented and dry, they will be able to handle temps well below freezing.

 

[Molpet]

http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/c...-go-out-there-and-cut-more-holes-in-your-coop

 

[Chichi_08]

You blocked up all the ventilation in the coop. BIG MISTAKE. Ventilation is just as important in very cold weather as it is in hot weather. All that ammonia and moisture generated overnight needs to be able to escape the coop. A sealed up coop is a recipe for respiratory illness and frostbite. As long as the coop is well vented and dry, they will be able to handle temps well below freezing.

There are small holes in the roof peak still that will hopefully allow some air flow without giving them too much of a cold breeze

 

[junebuggena]

There are small holes in the roof peak still that will hopefully allow some air flow without giving them too much of a cold breeze

Not nearly enough. Open all your vents back up. As long as wind isn't being blown directly on the birds, they will be fine.

 

[aart]

Is that wood on run roof well supported for snow load, in case you don't get it cleared of in a timely fashion?

Agrees, take some plastic off the run....unless there are openings on the other side??

Pics of other side of coop and inside would help.....but added wood in 3rd pic hold probably be partially or totally removed.

How many birds live in there?

 

[sharlysharlss]

how are you keeping your water from freezing? I have these Dine o Chuck water feeders made out of PVC and theyre great but Idk how to go about keeping the water from freezing in these things

 

[Chichi_08]

how are you keeping your water from freezing? I have these Dine o Chuck water feeders made out of PVC and theyre great but Idk how to go about keeping the water from freezing in these things

I bought a heated water base from the local feed store. It only keeps it warm when the temperature drops below -10. If I find it doesn’t work well on the extreme cold days I have to waters and will keep one inside and rotate them out.