Winterizing coop

[Lenny loves chickens]

Do chickens need a run for winter? Considering putting the in large shed for winter since we are still working on building coop and wont be ready till juneish....temporary one is cheap and small .....thoughts it might be a stupid question...I live in iowa harsh winters but the last couple haven't been

 

[azygous]

If you are still building the coop, where do the chickens sleep?

Chickens need safety and cover at night while sleeping to be secure from predators. During severe winter storms, day and night, they need protection from the freezing wind and low temps. Frostbite is a very real danger when they are subjected to the full effect of a winter storm or sub-freezing temps. Chickens have been known to freeze solid when they lack shelter from severe storms.

Shutting your chickens up in a shed deprives them of sunlight and they will begin to suffer skeletal issues from lack of vitamin D exposure. If any hens are laying, they will stop from lack of light. But I am sure you know all this.

 

[3KillerBs]

Do chickens need a run for winter? Considering putting the in large shed for winter since we are still working on building coop and wont be ready till juneish....temporary one is cheap and small .....thoughts it might be a stupid question...I live in iowa harsh winters but the last couple haven't been

Chickens always benefit from access to the fresh air and extra space of an outdoor run. They are hardy animals, well-equipped to cope with cold as long as they're kept dry and out of the wind -- thanks to their built-in down parkas -- but they have delicate respiratory systems and do not cope well with stale air.

Here's an excellent article for you: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/cold-weather-poultry-housing-and-care.72010/

If you show us photos of your setup we can make better suggestions.

 

[Lenny loves chickens]

If you are still building the coop, where do the chickens sleep?

Chickens need safety and cover at night while sleeping to be secure from predators. During severe winter storms, day and night, they need protection from the freezing wind and low temps. Frostbite is a very real danger when they are subjected to the full effect of a winter storm or sub-freezing temps. Chickens have been known to freeze solid when they lack shelter from severe storms.

Shutting your chickens up in a shed deprives them of sunlight and they will begin to suffer skeletal issues from lack of vitamin D exposure. If any hens are laying, they will stop from lack of light. But I am sure you know all this.

Yes I have a small 4ft by ft coop I bought from tractor supply but not sure it will do for winter yes they are protected every night

 

[Lenny loves chickens]

Chickens always benefit from access to the fresh air and extra space of an outdoor run. They are hardy animals, well-equipped to cope with cold as long as they're kept dry and out of the wind -- thanks to their built-in down parkas -- but they have delicate respiratory systems and do not cope well with stale air.

Here's an excellent article for you: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/cold-weather-poultry-housing-and-care.72010/

If you show us photos of your setup we can make better suggestions.

All I need to know is do they need a run in winter or can they free range I guess is my thought

 

[Lenny loves chickens]

Yes I have a small 4ft by ft coop I bought from tractor supply but not sure it will do for winter yes they are protected every night

I do know this I just am wondering if the can free range during winter or if they need a run

 

[3KillerBs]

All I need to know is do they need a run in winter or can they free range I guess is my thought

Ah, I see.

They can free range, but they'll still need to have protected areas out there -- places to get out of the wind and places free of snow that they can get to readily. They aren't likely to go very far if there's nothing out there but snow and ice.