"Winterizing" Coop.

[NicoleSmit]

I currently have welded wire mesh for my windows, which are great for ventilation in the coop in the summer, but I am looking for ways to winterize.

We are in Cental Louisiana, so it doesn't get too cold, but I want them to be comfortable.

It's far from perfect, I barely knew how to use a drill when I started. It took me 2 1/2 month, including the run. And I still have some touch ups, but Harvey ruined my plans. Ideally I'd like to add sides to the "lean-to" to protect their food from the rain.

 

[BirdHead]

Are your birds heavy or hard feathered?

Heavy feathered birds will be fine in the southern winter, but if you want them to have the luxury then just add a heat lamp to a part of the coop during the coldest times of the day.

 

[BirdHead]

For me, my hens love the luxury of the heat lamp at night time during the coldest points of winter.

 

[rjohns39]

I use a greenhouse for my winter housing... Maybe some 6 mil plastic attached half way up the windows, with a weight on the bottom so you can roll it up on warmer days? Just a thought. I'd also attach to the bottom 3/4 of the door and make the top 1/4 with a roll-up. Just thinking out loud.

 

[BirdHead]

Oh I forgot to mention about breeze and wire Windows.. I use a brown tarp and cut it to fit the Windows/ wire walls perfect so they can be folded up for sunlight/closed for crazy winds..

 

[aart]

I currently have welded wire mesh for my windows, which are great for ventilation in the coop in the summer, but I am looking for ways to winterize.
We are in Cental Louisiana, so it doesn't get too cold, but I want them to be comfortable.
It's far from perfect, I barely knew how to use a drill when I started. It took me 2 1/2 month, including the run. And I still have some touch ups, but Harvey ruined my plans. Ideally I'd like to add sides to the "lean-to" to protect their food from the rain.

Welcome to BYC!
They won't need a heat lamp in LA.
But you may want to block a good bit of the mesh(not all, leave some open for ventilation at the tops) to deter breezes if they are strong enough to literally ruffle feathers while birds are on roost. Covering coop mesh with a clear material would be best if possible, same goes for the lean to.

 

[ChickenMammX4]

I live in SW Ohio. Winter lows usually are in the teens with some single digit drops. There are 2 windows (north side & south side) in the coop as well as the popdoor and large vent near the roof. The only thing we close is the north side window. We also attach a thick, clear tarp on the first 8' of the run on the north side to block wind & snow.

Ventilation is your friend. Chickens release a lot of moisture in their respiration and droppings which can collect in a too-tight coop. Chickens come with a natural down coat. As long as they are dry and in a draft-free area, they will be fine.

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome! Forget extra heat in Louisiana! Just cover the lower window openings with clear plastic, leaving the upper foot or so open for ventilation It will be fine. I would cover all the woven wire with hardware cloth, so you don't have any openings larger than 1/2" diameter anywhere. Rats! Weasels! Mice! Bad experiences here! Mary

 

[Hokum Coco]

I currently have welded wire mesh for my windows I am looking for ways to winterize.

I live in Canada. I have 67 trips around the sun. I have been raising birds for decades. I and am subject to -40º weather my chickens combat the cold by me feeding whole corn to my birds in a separate feeder. Problem solved no lights, extension cords, insulation or other trappings. Predator proofing is a much larger issue to draw concern.

 

[flyin-lowe]

My coop is the same in the winter as it is in the summer here in Indiana. All windows open and pop door open, the peak of my roof is open (covered in mesh), and my eaves are also open. No need for lamps, insulation etc. Ventilation is the most important part. Last year was a fairly mild winter over all but we did have a stretch several weeks with low temps well below zero and wind chill temps close to -30 below. No problems at all.