Autumn has arrived, and it's time to think about preparing your chicken coop for the cold weather. Chickens aren't particularly fussy birds, but good egg production requires cleanliness, warmth, and consistent light. If your coop is a solid structure, there won't be much additional work required. However, if your structure isn't designed for winter, you'll need patience and building materials.
Insulating a chicken coop
For comfortable living, chickens require a temperature of at least 15°C (59°F). Therefore, in poultry houses in southern regions, simply turning on heaters at night is sufficient. In northern regions, if the structure isn't permanent, "budget" insulation such as mineral wool or foam is used. These materials can be installed both inside and outside the house, in accordance with building codes. If the insulation is installed inside, it should be covered with plywood, OSB, or other materials. The walls, floor, ceiling, doors, and windows should be protected from cold penetration. Otherwise, the heat won't be retained.
Birds should not have access to the insulation. They will peck at the foam, damaging both themselves and the material. Mice, which often become unwanted neighbors in winter, can also crumble the foam and nest in the mineral wool. They can be eliminated using special ultrasonic devices or by introducing a cat into the shed.
Ventilation and heating
The most common ventilation system is a supply and exhaust system. It's essential in a chicken coop, as rotting chicken manure produces a strong ammonia odor. Air circulation in the room is essential for the health of the birds.
Types of heating are divided into:
- stove;
- gas;
- electric.
The first option involves installing a stove in the chicken coop. It's inexpensive and readily available. Heating can be connected to a nearby gas-heated house. Electricity is considered the most expensive option, but there are many cost-effective options available.
The place of electric guns and oil radiators was taken by:
- infrared emitter;
- film infrared heated floor;
- convector.
Proper placement of these devices will help create a comfortable temperature for the hens. All heaters should be located in areas inaccessible to the birds. A convector automatically maintains the set temperature, but dust and feathers can get into the exposed heating elements, which will damage it. An infrared heater glows and should be slightly shaded at night to avoid disturbing the hens' sleep patterns. Film heaters have no known drawbacks. Foil materials are attached to the ceiling to retain heat, but the hens should be kept out of reach of them. perch.
You can insulate the floor using natural materials. To do this, cover the surface of the coop with slaked lime, then add bedding—peat, straw, or sawdust—to a thickness of about 10 cm. Loosen the layer and add more to the desired level. Chickens can help dig up the sawdust if you add millet or wheat to the floor. There are also bio-beddings made from live bacteria, which, by digesting chicken manure, eliminate odor and generate heat. Use them according to the instructions.
You may be interested in:Once all insulation measures have been taken, all that's left to do is insulate the windows if there are any cracks. This can be done with cotton wool or special insulation materials sold in stores. You can also apply polyethylene film to create an additional barrier to cold air. Insulating the doors is another important step. Use a construction stapler to attach a used blanket to the door. The room is now ready to face the cold.
Preparations for winter should be made in a timely manner. The room should be clean and warm. Daylight hours should be maintained at the prescribed 12-14 hours. Feed and water should always be available. Meat and bone meal and calcium supplements should be stocked. Ash for bathing should be prepared. Rest assured, grateful hens will delight you with wonderful, organic, homemade products almost every day.