Winterizing Run

[PertyGertie]

Here are some pics of my coop and run. To keep snow from the run I stacked 2x4s along the length of the run. Then on either side halfway to the edge I put one 2x4 to create a slope of sorts. I covered the entire roof with 6 mil clear plastic and secured it with tack boards. As you can see we built the run to withstand a bit of weight. There has been sightings of a big cat (and I don't mean domestic either) in our area so I wanted to make sure the girls would be safe. The size of the run is 20' x 16'. I asked a friend that builds houses and repairs roof cave ins due to heavy snow and he said he thought this should be fine. I have a snow rake just in case it gets deep and needs to be cleared off.

This is my first winter with chickens. I am really wondering what to do as I am concerned my girls won't have enough ventilation this winter if I totally enclose their run. This coop came with the property we bought. I made the mistake of insulating it and sealing it up before putting them in the coop this spring. There are only three windows facing south. (See pic #2) I enclosed the north side of the run (see pic #1) and the west side. The side with the door to the run faces east. There are two roosts near the window (See pic #3). Should I leave the east and south side open or close one or both? I know high humidity can contribute to frostbite when temps dip low. Does anyone have advice for me?

Pic #1

Pic #2

Pic #3

 

[Beour3rd]

I built my coop intentionally against some north eastern trees which barely get snow on them. And put a fibre glass snow fence and wind barrier in that direction. And my coop is. 100% insulated.



That said. I have a winter hardy breed.. I hope it makes a difference.

 

[aart]

Here are some pics of my coop and run. To keep snow from the run I stacked 2x4s along the length of the run. Then on either side halfway to the edge I put one 2x4 to create a slope of sorts. I covered the entire roof with 6 mil clear plastic and secured it with tack boards. As you can see we built the run to withstand a bit of weight. There has been sightings of a big cat (and I don't mean domestic either) in our area so I wanted to make sure the girls would be safe. The size of the run is 20' x 16'. I asked a friend that builds houses and repairs roof cave ins due to heavy snow and he said he thought this should be fine. I have a snow rake just in case it gets deep and needs to be cleared off.

This is my first winter with chickens. I am really wondering what to do as I am concerned my girls won't have enough ventilation this winter if I totally enclose their run. This coop came with the property we bought. I made the mistake of insulating it and sealing it up before putting them in the coop this spring. There are only three windows facing south. (See pic #2) I enclosed the north side of the run (see pic #1) and the west side. The side with the door to the run faces east. There are two roosts near the window (See pic #3). Should I leave the east and south side open or close one or both? I know high humidity can contribute to frostbite when temps dip low. Does anyone have advice for me?

Pic #1

Pic #2

Pic #3

I would leave the top 8" of the walls(except the prevailing wind side) of the run uncovered for ventilation.
You could put a couple of gable vents in your coop, might need a baffle to stop any strong drafts from the roost area, and leave one of those windows to the run cracked open....your builder friend would probably have some suggestions

 

[EagleEyes]

I'm no expert, and it's also my first winter, but with a heavy wet snow, (which you know we'll get) I think your roof (plastic) doesn't stand a chance. In your area, a lumber company that sells metal roofing will have drop offs. Just a thought.
I'd cover the bottom half, from the middle board down with plastic also, and gable vents on each end.
Here is food for thought:

 

[smcgill]

Well it seems to be holding up so far!
How are your peeps holding up with your efforts?


There are chickens in there.

This was taken before I cleaned the runs roof!
This with no snow! The runs fence is 5" tall!

I've got two heat lamps for night time and heated water inside the coop to help...
I hope we get some warmer weather to start some melting

 

[EagleEyes]

I'm glad to hear that winter has been good to you and your run. Is there chain link under the tarp?

We haven't really gotten much snow this winter, and I've been keeping my roofs clear with a roof rake.

With the the black rubber roof on the hen house, the winter sun helps heat it up, at least on a nice sunny day.
I can't remember the last time they've been out of the run. But it is sand and dry.

 

[smcgill]

Is there chain link under the tarp?

No
I do have some heavy snow fencing under wire mesh, with half the run with tarps over that.
I also clean up with a roof rake.
This year the roof rake and snow blower got quite the work out!

 

[hippiechickadee]

Taking eagleeyeice's comment to heart- my husband built a brace down the middle of the roof- it doubles as a perch with some lower braces made just for the lady's to play on.

Good thing!!!!! The worst winter ever with feet (plural) of snow on the ground. I've been diligent about knocking the snow off the roof (which is actually easy withy the pvc pipe/chicken wire/tarp roof we made because you just need to hit it from the inside and it slides off- assuming you get it before the snow is too heavy! They it takes a room!)

But would we would have been in trouble for sure.

Thanks eagleeyeice!

 

[hippiechickadee]

I don't think the picture can do justice to the amount of snow there is. It doesn't look bad because I keep the run roof cleared as well as a good few feet on all sides so when we get melting, it doesn't flood all into the run at once. But there are several feet there

 

[EagleEyes]

Hippiechick,

That looks really great!
I'm sure that you have been very diligent about keeping the snow off which has been your savior, with all of the snow you folks out east have been getting.
When I was young we used to get lots of blizzards. I miss that.