Winters in Maryland

[madmantrapper]

What do you folks in MD do during the winter? I'm near Westminster. The winters are not to harsh. I'm guessing I will need a heater for water. How much do you close off the coop from air flow?

 

[Marlinchaser]

I dont add any extra heat, I change waterers more often, I keep one in the coop, that unless it gets well below freezing stays liquid most of the day. I shut the big windows, but usually leave one window(opposite side of normal wind) at least cracked all winter, plus have eave vents.

 

[Majestic Lane Poultry]

A water heater is all I use. When frigid...I turn on a red flood light for added warmth. Remember that ventilation is just as important in the winter as ever.

 

[chickenannie]

What breed of chickens do you have?

Large birds are more winter-hardy, and many "tropical" breeds, especially those with large combs are more susceptible to cold.

Frostbite is a concern -- for large combs especially.

Roosts should be wide enough (2-4 inches?) that they can cover their toes with their belly feathers on cold nights.

My water freezes when it's cold, but I just knock the ice out each day and refill it. Others use water heaters.

They should have a covered building or coop to be in in case of snow.

Some folks insulate over winter with hay bales and tarps.

Hope these tips help.

 

[hcammack]

My birds are fine I do put a light in the coop to promote laying and if I have young birds I do use heat in the winter but usually they will be just fine we do have mild winters here

 

[madmantrapper]

I have columbian rocks and golden comets. The rocks are a pretty good size. The comet hens are small compared to the roosters. I have a window about 30 x 30 one side and the door with a opening about 28 x 28. The eaves are also open. I figure closing off the opening in the door on the west side will eliminate the cross flow draft. Also I figure I should close the window area to maybe 30 x 6. What do you think?

 

[lovemychicns]

Hi,

I live near Westminster. I don't have any electric in my coop. I insulate the coop with Reflectix Foil Insulation from Lowes. You just cut it to size and staple, including ceiling. I have vents around the top I leave lightly covered just to keep wind out but fresh air in. I cover the window's with plexi glass. for heat they see ok unless really cold at night. On cold nights I fill 5 gal water jugs with boiling hot water and put them in the coop. It warms the coop and they can lay next to it if they want. MissPrissy gave me the idea. During the day I leave the pop door open and they go in and out as usual. I also put a small piece of the insulation over the pop door to keep the wind out. Last winter was my first and thanks to all the hints and tips it worked out well. I change the water in the morning if needed and also give them scratch at night before they turn in. Great to have another chickenier close by, LOL

Hugs
Karen

 

[chickenannie]

I think I read somewhere that if all the drafts are gone, that helps a great deal.

 

[madmantrapper]

Quote:
The reflexix is something that goes on the inside or outside.

 

[lovemychicns]

It goes on the inside

Karen