Winterizing a coop for a Canadian Winter!

[zowieyellowflame]

Ok, think I am getting it now.... dense and packed closely during the first 6 feet (this encompasses the roosts) and then not so much so beyond that. Right now, the ceiling is open to the rafters...... in other words, the coop is in a shed with rafters. The coop is 8 feet high and ends at the top of the plywood. technically, the chickens could escape up there but they don't. Is this good for ventilation? An uncovered ceiling but protected from the elements? or should I cover and insulate and add vents?

 

[patandchickens]

Quote:
I would suggest adding a ceiling. Two reasons: if the coop is not the full extent of the shed, raccoons will probably find their way into your shed at some point and THEY will not hesitate to go 'over the wall' for a chicken dinner -- remember raccoons get verrrry hungry in the wintertime, have a lot of nighttime hours at their disposal, and *prefer* to winter in barns. And two, a ceiling, preferably insulated, will help hold what heat there is in the vicinity of the birds.

But put vents high on the walls, where they are sheltered by the roof overhang. And if the coop is not the entirety of the shed, put vents into the non-coop portion, because that is an *excellent* nonwindy slightly-thermally-buffered place to exchange air with.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[mdbokc]

The comment is right on the dog bowl being too small for 18 birds. My apologies..we don't have that many.