Winterizing coop

[SammyJo425]

This may be an odd observation, this is going to be my first winter with chickens. I collected eggs this evening when I put the girls to bed for the night. The eggs were unusually cold to the touch like they had been refrigerated. We had a cold rainy day today, 50 degrees. Is that an indication it might be too cold for them?

How do I check for drafts and make sure they are warm enough for the winter. I know heating isn’t necessary. I’m in New York, we get cold winters but usually not below double digits at our coldest.

Here’s a pic of my coop interior for reference. The square opening is a pop window, this was great in the summer for added ventilation but it is not a permanent opening. I close the windows. And I caulked the interior when I built it. The triangular opening on each side and the back are permanent openings. I’m also doing deep liter for warmth as well.

 

[Aunt Angus]

50 is def not too cold for chickens. Chickens do fine in subzero temps as long as they aren't damp and their coops are well ventilated. It's considered best practice to leave coops well ventilated as long as there is no draft blowing directly on the chickens.

 

[Aunt Angus]

I'm looking at your pic on my teeny cell phone. Is their roost below the opening? Or will they be in a draft? If the window isn't above their heads when they're roosting, I'd probably cover ttem and leave the triangle area open.

I read somewhere on BYC that they put air filters over their windows in winter to allow for ventilation but cut down on drafts. I thought that was a good idea.

 

[SammyJo425]

I'm looking at your pic on my teeny cell phone. Is their roost below the opening? Or will they be in a draft? If the window isn't above their heads when they're roosting, I'd probably cover ttem and leave the triangle area open.

I read somewhere on BYC that they put air filters over their windows in winter to allow for ventilation but cut down on drafts. I thought that was a good idea.

That’s a pop window, the pic was taken in the summer. I can close it. The bottom of the It sits 10 inches above the roost so when they sleep they are below the window so it’s not directly on them.

 

[aart]

Here’s a pic of my coop interior for reference.

Would be best to see pics of the whole interior and exterior of coop to make viable suggestion.

I’m in New York

Here's how to add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!

 

[Aunt Angus]

That’s a pop window, the pic was taken in the summer. I can close it. The bottom of the It sits 10 inches above the roost so when they sleep they are below the window so it’s not directly on them.

Then you're golden! How cold does it get where you are? It gets in the single digits here. The only thing I do is bring their water in to prevent freezing overnight. And I put ointment on large combs to hopefully prevent frostbite.

 

[SammyJo425]

Would be best to see pics of the whole interior and exterior of coop to make viable suggestion.


Here's how to add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!
View attachment 3278799

Thank you!

And I’ll take pictures tomorrow in the daylight. I have videos, it’s too complicated to post videos here or try to screenshot

 

[aart]

And I’ll take pictures tomorrow in the daylight. I have videos, it’s too complicated to post videos here or try to screenshot

Pics are better to show coops/runs anyway.

 

[aart]

I put ointment on large combs to hopefully prevent frostbite

It doesn't tho

 

[Aunt Angus]

It doesn't tho

Lots of articles suggest it. But I figure it'll keep it from getting dry and maybe keep water vapor at bay. Figure it doesn't hurt.