Woods Open Air Coop in Record Breaking Cold

[brendave]

You definitely need cold hardy birds but even cold hardy birds are at risk for frostbite if conditions are right and are preventable. Single larger comb birds are at more risk etc. it’s reviewed in my article some good prevention. Even in a well constructed coop still need winterizing to prevent frostbite risk.

My pea combed hens have no frostbite at all.

 

[brendave]

Great report!

My experience was similar, except our temps were only to -10F. Although my freeze proof hydrant is currently "frozen".....or at least not working. Holding my breath to see what happens when the frost goes out of the ground. Point being that has never happened before, so our temps may have been lower than -10F.

Anyway, this is what we had two weeks ago.......



View attachment 1660545
A few days after this was taken, wind was blowing 30 mph from the direction the photo was taken. Right into the open front. Birds by the window had their feathers ruffling, but the wind movement only penetrated to the scratch shed......back part where the roosts are was dead calm.

BTW, this one is 8' x 12'. Good for up to 24 birds. The 23 in there now stayed in for a week with no issues. A dozen birds in this could ride out a long nasty spell of winter with no concerns.

Even with the 6x10 size, there was no air movement at the back where the roost is located. The only air movement is in the first 6-10 inches of the scratch shed and the wind has to be blowing pretty hard for anything to blow in. Prevailing winds here are N to NW as well, so I think that helps. My chickens free range in all types of weather, but none of the girls want out right now. I have a 12" deep litter on the floor with sand at the very front and their feet look great so far. I try to toss in some treats so they churn up the floor and keep from getting too stir crazy.

 

[Ted Brown]

... I'd love to hear from any other 6x10 Woods owners to see if their flock had any issues.

Thanks for the clarification. I too would be keen to hear from others whether a larger space in a Woods style is better or worse in very cold situations. I have read that each bird is roughly equivalent to a 100 watt incandescent, not much in -12F temperatures but obviously depends on how many birds.

 

[brendave]

Not sure if you need this but here is an article on frostbite:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/frostbite-in-chickens.74710/


Large or large single combs you will find will be more at risk for frostbite. Those you want to apply Vaseline to to prevent frostbite before it sets in.

I keep heat in my coop when below freezing.

Thanks for the advice. I did apply Vaseline to the BOs combs (which they absolutely hated, BTW!) I'm not sure it helped any.

I'm unable to heat the coop. It's why I chose the Woods design. Thanks for the advice!

 

[jthornton]

I cleaned up the Modern Fresh Air Poultry House book and have it here.

I wish I had the space for a Woods where my chickens are.

JT

 

[aart]

Great report @brendave!
On both the Woods
(which most people do not understand)
and the vaseline/frostbite.

It's humid in MI....I've accepted that frostbite is inevitable.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/frostbite-in-sw-michigan.74597/

 

[pippi_smiles]

I think where it is cold, especially if you have high ambient humidity that there is NO WAY to not have frostbite on single comb birds, or large funky thin comb bits and huge wattles.

If you have long nasty winters,build it BIGGER. You will be worlds happier.

Both my roos got a touch of frostbite. I noticed there is some light frost inside on the upper north wall. I'm guessing that was the humidity you are taking about. Maybe that is why their combs and waddles got bit. I agree about bigger. Wish we would have made it larger for the amount of birds we have. Great replys!

 

[pippi_smiles]

I built a 6x10 Woods Coop this summer in the NE corner of my garden, facing SE, to house my 5 pullets, 2 BOs, 1 SLW, and 2 EEs. The last three days has seen record breaking cold in much of the Midwest, including here in Mi where I live. Even with winds up to 30mph and windchills down to -35F, the coop stayed draft free and dry. However, my poor BOs have frostbitten combs. Despite staying draft free with low humidity, the frigid cold caught up with them. My other birds, with pea combs, seem to have weathered the cold without any problems. Here's a pic of the girls peaking out in 10F. A little snow blew in the first 6 inches or so but it hasn't seemed to keep the girls from standing in front of the windows when the sun shines. If anyone is thinking about a Woods Coop this size I highly recommend it.View attachment 1660386

Beautiful coop! What is a Woods Coop I'm not familiar

I built a 6x10 Woods Coop this summer in the NE corner of my garden, facing SE, to house my 5 pullets, 2 BOs, 1 SLW, and 2 EEs. The last three days has seen record breaking cold in much of the Midwest, including here in Mi where I live. Even with winds up to 30mph and windchills down to -35F, the coop stayed draft free and dry. However, my poor BOs have frostbitten combs. Despite staying draft free with low humidity, the frigid cold caught up with them. My other birds, with pea combs, seem to have weathered the cold without any problems. Here's a pic of the girls peaking out in 10F. A little snow blew in the first 6 inches or so but it hasn't seemed to keep the girls from standing in front of the windows when the sun shines. If anyone is thinking about a Woods Coop this size I highly recommend it.View attachment 1660386

 

[pippi_smiles]

Not sure if you need this but here is an article on frostbite:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/frostbite-in-chickens.74710/
The coop looks nice but probably need to also consider winterizing in winter. Plastic or snow/waterproof tarp over run areas. If thick clear plastic can see out. Cover all windows with plastic. Can tape with packing tape. Leave top vents open but free of drafts. Ok to use heat in coop if fireproof to prevent frostbite. Block drafts from doors. Can hang curtains on inside of closed windows to block drafts. Place wireless sensor in coop to monitor temp and humidity. Can use Vaseline on combs, wattles to also prevent frostbite. Also use waterers that do not drip on wattles. Straw is warm and thicken up in winter. Keep top dressing on run area with straw to keep feet off frozen ground. Large or large single combs you will find will be more at risk for frostbite. Those you want to apply Vaseline to to prevent frostbite before it sets in. I keep heat in my coop when below freezing.

Great information! Thanks for sharing!

 

[Melky]

Great information! Thanks for sharing!

Thks! I’m originally from Cincinnati Ohio. Nice to see another buckeye.