Winter chicken coops: the good, bad and ugly

Do you and your chickens live in a cold weather area? We do. This winter was not just cold, it was negative degrees bone chilling cold and snow up to our knees! This was our hardest winter since we've been here and since we've started keeping chickens. I've learned a lot about chicken coops this winter....and homesteading, and hungry wildlife! 

It's been tough. 

We've also been through a power outage during a cold snap. A week long power outage! You can read more about that in Chicken Keeping in extreme weather. That situation really tells you how good or bad your chicken coop, winter equipment and methods are! 

Working with our chicken coops this winter I've figured exactly why each one does and does not perform well in cold weather. So, here's my list of coops: The good, the bad and the downright ugly!

Chicken coops for cold weather

Good Coops:

These 3 coops are actually our largest. They all have 3 main things in common. Windows, ventilation & space. 

1) Windows:

When the temp hits way below freezing, I don't have to prop the doors open to let in light. Two of the coops have automatic pop doors that lead to covered runs. The 'automatic' part isn't important....the enclosed covered run is. 

They need fresh air and these runs allow them to get outside, flap around a little and still be safe and out of the snow. The runs have wire on the sides, but I've wrapped some of the run in 9ml plastic to keep out the moisture at times.

2) Ventilation:

All 3 chicken coops have adequate ventilation at roof level. This allows the air to circulate without chilling the chickens in winter. The doors can be left closed for longer periods when there is adequate ventilation.

3) Space: 

These coops also have enough space for feeders and water. I don't want the chickens to have to go outside to eat or drink. Water freezes a bit faster outside too. Plus the birds can stretch their wings and move around in these coops.

Bad Coops:

These 2 chicken coops are bad for the very reasons the others are good. Windows, ventilation & space.

1) Windows: 
These coops lack windows. Without windows they can't see to do their normal birdy stuff, so the doors must stay open all day. Open doors let in light, but they let in snow, rain and cold too! 

2) Ventilation
There are air holes drilled at roof level in these coops, but it hardly matters when the doors are wide open. The drafts come right in the front doors!

3) Space
They don't have very much space to avoid drafts when the doors are open. I've used the goose coop for Banty's also and a nest box placed inside to the right of the door allows some to stay out of the wind. Also, their food bowl can fit inside, but the waterer definitely has to be outside.  

Ugly:
The reason here is simple: not enough protection from the weather.

I have seen these hutches used as a year round coop and I just can't agree with it. There isn't enough protection from the elements. Even if you put bedding in, there's just nowhere for the birds to go to stay warm. 

Major disclaimer here: we only use this as a separation cage when it's outside (to settle squabbles between birds) If it's placed inside one of the larger coops, then it's sometimes a brooder but never while it's outside. 

Related reading: Getting your chickens ready for Winter.

So there you have it....my lessons learned about building and buying chickens coops. I hope you have less snow and cold then we do! Stay warm!

Related reading: Does your chicken coop need a run?

~L 

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