Yet another winter question - but for Celsius users :)

[K_UU]

I live in SW Ontario, in the snow belt off of Lake Huron. It's been a mild winter so far which has been great since this is my first year with hens. We have a colder snap coming up this weekend. My 7 hens live in a 6x8' coop that is partially insulated with overhead ventilation. The walls are insulated, the doors are not, the floor is not but they have deep bedding, and the ceiling has an airspace barrier above it (not insulated) We sort of ran out of time getting it all ready for winter. It's cold in there but not drafty. The coop is 8' in the air (it was a kids playhouse) and they have a ramp down to a really big run that I have tarped the sides off so they can come out and be active. They come out on their own most days unless it's raining, windy or heaven forbid, there's snow on the ramp lol. Once I sweep it off, they come out.

This morning, it's -10. I opened up the coop door like usual so they get fresh air and everyone seems content. It's supposed to get down to -15/20 in the next few days. Should I keep the coop door closed on those days? And also looking for reassurance that I won't need to put in a heat lamp for a night or two. Their water is in a heated dog bowl but otherwise I don't have any supplemental lighting or bells or whistles for them. It's a bugger to get the poop off the poop board in the mornings ha ha, but they seem to be thriving. We usually get a day or two of mid -20's a year...but they are ok then too, right?
I know peeps in Saskatoon are smirking at me right now!

 

[DobieLover]

I live in SW Ontario, in the snow belt off of Lake Huron. It's been a mild winter so far which has been great since this is my first year with hens. We have a colder snap coming up this weekend. My 7 hens live in a 6x8' coop that is partially insulated with overhead ventilation. The walls are insulated, the doors are not, the floor is not but they have deep bedding, and the ceiling has an airspace barrier above it (not insulated) We sort of ran out of time getting it all ready for winter. It's cold in there but not drafty. The coop is 8' in the air (it was a kids playhouse) and they have a ramp down to a really big run that I have tarped the sides off so they can come out and be active. They come out on their own most days unless it's raining, windy or heaven forbid, there's snow on the ramp lol. Once I sweep it off, they come out.

This morning, it's -10. I opened up the coop door like usual so they get fresh air and everyone seems content. It's supposed to get down to -15/20 in the next few days. Should I keep the coop door closed on those days? And also looking for reassurance that I won't need to put in a heat lamp for a night or two. Their water is in a heated dog bowl but otherwise I don't have any supplemental lighting or bells or whistles for them. It's a bugger to get the poop off the poop board in the mornings ha ha, but they seem to be thriving. We usually get a day or two of mid -20's a year...but they are ok then too, right?
I know peeps in Saskatoon are smirking at me right now!

As long as the heated water bowl is not inside the coop they should be fine
I'd open the door and let them decide if they want to go out.
Can you post pictures of your setup please?

 

[Mrs. K]

You are fine, and have done enough. Mine don't get heated water, just fresh water once a day and do just fine. Open the door and let them choose, they know more about being a chicken than we ever will.

Good ventilation, don't close that up, frozen poop is fine, but if it warms up fasts and thaws, get it out of there if you can. I don't do a poop board either, but I throw scratch on top of my bedding, and they keep it from piling up.

Mrs K

 

[K_UU]

This is it, less the mess, ladders, etc ha ha. The ugly vent flap will be replaced with a plexiglass sheet for more natural light in there, in the spring. I put a clear tarp around the back side of the run, and around the side and front under the coop. I don't have any pics of the inside. It's basically a roost with a poop board, and a nesting box that they refuse to use. The corner under the poop board is getting rave reviews though.

As long as the heated water bowl is not inside the coop they should be fine
I'd open the door and let them decide if they want to go out.
Can you post pictures of your setup please?

 

[aart]

and the ceiling has an airspace barrier above it

What exactly does this mean?
Pics please?
Current pics inside and out would help immensely.

Even tho you've stated 'Celsius', it's always good to add the C to the numbers you post

 

[Ridgerunner]

I find this to be an easy C vs F converter.

https://www.onlineconversion.com/temperature.htm

I took this photo when it was +4 F (-15 C). I leave the pop door open and let them decide what to do. If a cold wind is blowing they seek shelter. If it is calm, they come out to enjoy the day.

I've had nights at -20 C (-4 F) with no supplemental heat inside the coop. No frostbite or other issues. My coop does have good ventilation.