Winterizing Run

[Mick Boon]

I like in Saskatchewan where -40 C is not unusual. My chickens get no heating, and apart from the combs of the cockerels getting frostbite and dropping off they all do fine.

 

[CluckerFamily]

I slide corrugated plastic sheets along the outside of my run. This keeps most of the snow out and is a great wind blocker while allowing what sun we do get to heat up the run. My flock does enjoy eating snow.

 

[Aclurk]

Hey y’all, I’m in NJ where the winters can get pretty brutal with temperatures and snow. I’m wondering what ways some of yall winterize your run.

I’m also in NJ, and I bought heavy duty clear shower curtains and I zip tie them through the grommets around the run, leaving only the peak triangular top open for air flow. I cut 3” pieces of duct tape, and stack them 3 thick and then put 3 on either side of the curtain matching them up on either side every few feet. I then poke a hole through the duct tape and shower curtain and zip tie that to the bottom of the run. This way the curtains don’t flap & block the wind and it keeps 90% of the snow out. Last winter I only had a dusting inside. Inside I staple gunned reflective bubble wrap, I think it’s only an R6 or 8 value, doesn’t matter so long as the drafts are sealed. I put extra weather stripping everywhere and 6-8” of fresh pine shavings, the soft fluffy kind. Cold won’t kill them. Heat will, heat scares me more than cold.

 

[CKfarm22]

I’m also in NJ, and I bought heavy duty clear shower curtains and I zip tie them through the grommets around the run, leaving only the peak triangular top open for air flow. I cut 3” pieces of duct tape, and stack them 3 thick and then put 3 on either side of the curtain matching them up on either side every few feet. I then poke a hole through the duct tape and shower curtain and zip tie that to the bottom of the run. This way the curtains don’t flap & block the wind and it keeps 90% of the snow out. Last winter I only had a dusting inside. Inside I staple gunned reflective bubble wrap, I think it’s only an R6 or 8 value, doesn’t matter so long as the drafts are sealed. I put extra weather stripping everywhere and 6-8” of fresh pine shavings, the soft fluffy kind. Cold won’t kill them. Heat will, heat scares me more than cold.

I think we’re going to end up doing shower curtains this year, and maybe try something out next year. Thank you!

 

[Bella Dominique]

We use Lexan panels ( plastic panels) that we screwed onto run framing for winter but can take off for summer. There’s ventilation at the upper portion of walls. Allows light in. Plexiglass would be better because the chickens like to look out but is way too expensive. We leave a 4 ft section open that’s under a porch structure so they can look out, but have lots of places to stay out of drafts.

 

[Bella Dominique]

I’m also in NJ, and I bought heavy duty clear shower curtains and I zip tie them through the grommets around the run, leaving only the peak triangular top open for air flow. I cut 3” pieces of duct tape, and stack them 3 thick and then put 3 on either side of the curtain matching them up on either side every few feet. I then poke a hole through the duct tape and shower curtain and zip tie that to the bottom of the run. This way the curtains don’t flap & block the wind and it keeps 90% of the snow out. Last winter I only had a dusting inside. Inside I staple gunned reflective bubble wrap, I think it’s only an R6 or 8 value, doesn’t matter so long as the drafts are sealed. I put extra weather stripping everywhere and 6-8” of fresh pine shavings, the soft fluffy kind. Cold won’t kill them. Heat will, heat scares me more than cold.

I like this idea about using shower curtains.

 

[CKfarm22]

I slide corrugated plastic sheets along the outside of my run. This keeps most of the snow out and is a great wind blocker while allowing what sun we do get to heat up the run. My flock does enjoy eating snow.

That’s what we used for the roof! but this is also a good idea too, I’m just worried about the snow and winds!

 

[AntiqueB]

I'm in north NJ. My run is covered, and the door to it is open during the day so they have access to the yard. I zip tie heavy duty plastic sheeting around 3 sides, including on the door. One side of the run is next to my house, so I leave most of that open. The sheeting gives them a place to go that's not so drafty, but still outside the coop, and it helps keep snow out. Mine hate snow! The pop door is open during the day, closed at night. They did fine last year. With that closed, and the sheeting-covered run, they stay draft-free. I also added a heated food/water bowl, so I can give them water and mash without worrying it will freeze.

 

[CKfarm22]

I'm in north NJ. My run is covered, and the door to it is open during the day so they have access to the yard. I zip tie heavy duty plastic sheeting around 3 sides, including on the door. One side of the run is next to my house, so I leave most of that open. The sheeting gives them a place to go that's not so drafty, but still outside the coop, and it helps keep snow out. Mine hate snow! The pop door is open during the day, closed at night. They did fine last year. With that closed, and the sheeting-covered run, they stay draft-free. I also added a heated food/water bowl, so I can give them water and mash without worrying it will freeze.

What kind of plastic sheeting do you use?

 

[AntiqueB]

What kind of plastic sheeting do you use?

I used this, from Amazon:

It worked really well, and held up with no problem.