Winterizing Coops

[Crazy_Beautiful]

Looking for advise before winter really sets in. I covered 2 of my 3 runs this weekend with clear shower curtains just the duck side is left uncovered currently as it already is protected from wind. I left ventilation... the soffit uncovered. We've had some rain since and now I am noticing moisture building up at ground level inside the run against the wood the barrier is staple to. I don't really want the wood to rot out any way I can rectify this? More ventilation? I didn't want to leave a big space uncovered really wanted a dry place for the chickens to be in the winter. We get snow sleet freezing rain all the fun stuff regularly in the winter. Last winter the snow ended up being 4 feet high against the coop. I am leaving the doors open to the run when the weather isn't ridiculous and windows in the coop open during the day.

 

[WIchickMama]

Do you have any pics of your set up? Is it rain getting in or condensation?

 

[Aunt Angus]

Looking for advise before winter really sets in. I covered 2 of my 3 runs this weekend with clear shower curtains just the duck side is left uncovered currently as it already is protected from wind. I left ventilation... the soffit uncovered. We've had some rain since and now I am noticing moisture building up at ground level inside the run against the wood the barrier is staple to. I don't really want the wood to rot out any way I can rectify this? More ventilation? I didn't want to leave a big space uncovered really wanted a dry place for the chickens to be in the winter. We get snow sleet freezing rain all the fun stuff regularly in the winter. Last winter the snow ended up being 4 feet high against the coop. I am leaving the doors open to the run when the weather isn't ridiculous and windows in the coop open during the day.

I'm not good at picturing this stuff no matter how well they are described - lol! Pics would help!

 

[Crazy_Beautiful]

This is coop #1 currently housing too many. 6 adult 4 teenagers and 8 littles. I'm trying to rehome 4 of them before the cold weather hits. And if we have time the plan is to make another run on the opposite side identical in size. I also attached a photo of their large uncovered run in case any questions regarding space.

 

[Crazy_Beautiful]

I'm not good at picturing this stuff no matter how well they are described - lol! Pics would help!

I live-in the country takes forever to do anything internet related

 

[Crazy_Beautiful]

Do you have any pics of your set up? Is it rain getting in or condensation?

My assumption is rain... its been raining alot

 

[WIchickMama]

I live-in the country takes forever to do anything internet related

no worries, we get it.

so for the runs, are the two by the coop both covered? and then the fenced in area (with the wrought iron fence) around the coop/runs is open?

do the doors to the runs get closed at night or during the day at all. I would (me personally) take down the plastic about 6 inches around the top of the wooden run attached to the coop. You want the ventilation, especially of the metal framed run is also wrapped (which it looks like it is in pic #4

 

[Crazy_Beautiful]

Here is coop #2. It house 12 chickens and 3 ducks. I will eventually cover the duck side to give them a snow free space to go during the winter. I've also attached a photo of their uncovered run to show how much space and a cute photo of the group following me around. The covered run is also collecting condensation between the wood and the plastic at the bottom just the same as coop #1. We are also aware of missing ventilation innthe coop if anyone notices that. We have it bought just haven't added it in yet... currently getting by with just the soffit vents in the coop.

 

[Crazy_Beautiful]

no worries, we get it.

so for the runs, are the two by the coop both covered? and then the fenced in area (with the wrought iron fence) around the coop/runs is open?

do the doors to the runs get closed at night or during the day at all. I would (me personally) take down the plastic about 6 inches around the top of the wooden run attached to the coop. You want the ventilation, especially of the metal framed run is also wrapped (which it looks like it is in pic #4

The metal carport is in the process of being removed it is not covered by anything other than chicken wire at the top. Doors get closed at night. I was thinking of the same removing some plastic from the top. But I've never done a winter with plastic wrap and I'm wondering if it'll just get ripped to spreads by wind if I do that?

 

[WIchickMama]

Again I (personally) would open up along the top. When you look at your ducks run, that whole triangle piece at the top, I would leave it open on both sides if you have it.