Winterizing Run Question help

[StinkyAcres]

Okay, I'm jumping in because I have a question. You guys or gals have mentioned the deep litter method which I thought was a good way to get heat naturally from the litter as it breaks down. I was under the impression the important piece was to turn the litter to provide aeration for bacteria, add litter or remove litter as necessary to prevent ammonia build up. I didn't think that method needed dirt, just litter, poop and air. Is my thinking wrong on this?

Yes, deep litter can produce some heat. I believe dirt is not completely necessary but is very helpful for introducing good bacteria to the bedding. Having a solid floor underneath deep litter will require more work to get it to compost effectively and prevent an anaerobic environment.

 

[Bantam bell Wood]

I say no, not too much.

My coop & run are much bigger than yours - 10x16 Woods coop elevated 3-4' off the ground attached to a 12x15 roofed run. Roof is 12' high in front and close to 8' in back.

In winter I tarp the 3 sides of elevation leaving only the east side section under the stairs & stoop & the west side facing the run open. I also fully tarp the north facing back section but leave the top 2 feet of the south facing front section open above clear plastic on the lower 8 feet. The west side of the run is completely open but is protected by a roofed section of 12x24 that I use for fire wood.

Note also that a Woods coop has the southern front section fully open save for hardware cloth.

I am in my 6th year with chickens and have had deaths from predators in the first couple of years and 3 deaths that I put in the unexplained category but accept that with 30+ birds some attrition is "normal"

The designer of my coop Prince T Woods authored a book in which he argues that a fresh air coop is the healthiest environment for caged chickens. His design provides a well sheltered section in the back portion to ensure that the flock is protected from cold breezes; that combined with care to ensure that moisture inside is minimal. These two ensure a healthy and happy flock.

Ted Brown, I super appreciate reading this. I found information on the Prince T Woods Coop. I’ll be moving in that direction going forward.

 

[Bantam bell Wood]

Hello all. First winter with chickens. I built a 6x12 coop. 4x6 of it is henhouse the other 8x6 is open run. I'm starting to add plastic for winter. Iowa can get cold. I've seen people leaving top space open for cross ventilation. I was planning to leave 4 inches up top open on the 3 open sides. Is this too much? Feedback is appreciated. Thanks all

Thanks for asking the question. The answers have helped me too! Great coop btw!

 

[Ted Brown]

@Bantam bell Wood You are most welcome!

Here is a link to @jthornton post that has a link the Prince Woods' book. You will find therein his description of the Woods coop that is most commonly built by folks on BYC (Woods KD Knock Down). The whole book contains references to other "fresh air" styles coops plus a whole bunch of useful practical advice on chicken rearing. An easy read.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/43-chickens-and-a-dream.1334206/#post-21797631

I (and many others on here) will be more than happy to offer advice on any questions you may have building one. Your post to me reminded of when I stumbled across a reference to the Woods coop and then found Jthorton's version of it. Six years later I can say the design works!

Good luck!!

 

[Bantam bell Wood]

@Bantam bell Wood You are most welcome!

Here is a link to @jthornton post that has a link the Prince Woods' book. You will find therein his description of the Woods coop that is most commonly built by folks on BYC (Woods KD Knock Down). The whole book contains references to other "fresh air" styles coops plus a whole bunch of useful practical advice on chicken rearing. An easy read.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/43-chickens-and-a-dream.1334206/#post-21797631

I (and many others on here) will be more than happy to offer advice on any questions you may have building one. Your post to me reminded of when I stumbled across a reference to the Woods coop and then found Jthorton's version of it. Six years later I can say the design works!

Good luck!!

Thank you again!