Winterizing Chicken Run

[Smuvers Farm]

We've only been back in the area for a bit over a year, and last winter was nothing (not really any snow, no winter winds, no super rains, etc). So, probably a waste of time for me. Thanks @wyoDreamer

 

[rjohns39]

We've only been back in the area for a bit over a year, and last winter was nothing (not really any snow, no winter winds, no super rains, etc). So, probably a waste of time for me. Thanks @wyoDreamer

I'm about an hour south of you and use a greenhouse for their breed pens and winter housing--but my biggest problem was cooling.

 

[Smuvers Farm]

I'm about an hour south of you and use a greenhouse for their breed pens and winter housing--but my biggest problem was cooling.

We've already added some ventilation holes to their coops, but plan on more, so I don't think cooling will be an issue!

 

[RNPAULIE69]

We bought plexiglass panels and drilled slits on sides then put eye hooks into wood. Slides right on to eye hook then a quarter turn secures them. Stays nice and clear so chickens have wind proof "window" panels

 

[NancyNurseCxMama]

We bought plexiglass panels and drilled slits on sides then put eye hooks into wood. Slides right on to eye hook then a quarter turn secures them. Stays nice and clear so chickens have wind proof "window" panelsView attachment 1151673

That's a great idea!

 

[Tom and Kathy]

Is it really snowy and windy in your area during the winter.
Wrapping the run is typically for reducing wind and snow accumulation in the run during the winter. I live north of Green Bay in Wisconsin and do not wrap the chicken run.

Would you mind sharing a picture of your run? I'm in SE Michigan, new chicken owner, and wondering how to winterize. Picture below shows facing due west, 12ft (N/S) by 6ft (E-W), roof is welded wire (tarp was temp shade on 90 deg days last week). Bottom boards are 8" high but snow piles up quick even this far south.

Thanks for any advice!

 

[wamtazlady]

What's the best and most cost efficient plastic sheeting material to use to wrap around the chicken run in the winter to keep wind out?

I use clear plastic shower curtains. I find it easier to handle the smaller pieces of sheeting rather than the rolled stuff. Also easy to get started. I buy cheap shower curtain hangers and start out just hanging the shower curtains from the mesh of the run. Afterward the sides get stapled down.

 

[Folly's place]

My coop/ run is all roofed, and the run area has a solid wall to the north, and the coop wall on the west. It functions as a coop all year, rather than a coop with totally separate run area. It's 24'x 14' diameter, and works very well. Pictures summer and winter: It's not pretty, but functional. The plastic is doubled and doesn't cover the top foot of the south wall, or the top of the end walls. Mary

 

[belindaschicks]

Is it really snowy and windy in your area during the winter.
Wrapping the run is typically for reducing wind and snow accumulation in the run during the winter. I live north of Green Bay in Wisconsin and do not wrap the chicken run.

I'm amazed! I live in a suburb of Wakesha, Wi and I wrap my run. How did you do last winter? What do you to get your chickens through the winter?

 

[Suzi18]

We bought plexiglass panels and drilled slits on sides then put eye hooks into wood. Slides right on to eye hook then a quarter turn secures them. Stays nice and clear so chickens have wind proof "window" panelsView attachment 1151673

I really love this idea. I was planning on buying some clear plexiglass panels too and have been wondering how to secure them. Where did you get the plexiglass?