Canopy over the coop for winter?

[ChicksforJoe]

I've got a strange question -
Living in Northern Illinois, we tend to get pretty cold and snowy winters. We're new to raising chickens, and we've got a decent (albeit small) coop and run area for our two hens. We usually allow them the run of the yard for several hours a day - but come winter, that won't be possible. I'm considering placing a large shelter over the coop and pen, which would allow some covered, snow-free ground for the chickens to run around in during the winter. This would also provide an additional wind break for the coop. Am I over thinking this too much? Has anyone attempted such a thing? The link below is an example of the portable shelter I'm considering (I would remove and store it during the summer):

http://www.shelterlogic.com/Product...6bc-4724-849b-9df80095b3e8&CategoryName=Sheds

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I think it's a good idea to get your hens outside as many days as possible. I'm not sure if that's the best way, that will be a bit dark and the material will flap a lot in the wind.

I have had good luck using cheap fence panels from the home improvement store, the 6 foot tall ones, I use for wind breaks and they look pleasant enough, otherwise plywood works too. They also have some clear roofing panels that work good for letting light in.

Your hens will enjoy as much sunlight as possible, and they will appreciate something like hay or straw put on the cold ground to stand on.

 

[TalkALittle]

I think it would be too dark. Your egg production will plummet. Look around for someone selling a used shelter frame for cheap and then cover it with a clear poly tarp. It will shed snow but still let the light in. I wrapped my run in clear poly tarps last winter. It created a greenhouse effect and the temperature in the run was always a couple degrees warmer than outside. My hens were out of the wind but still got to bask and preen in the sun.

 

[tdepointe]

I like the idea although I agree with talkalittle that the one you suggested would most likely be to dark.
I would suggest you look at this solution from ShelterLogic, ClearviewTM Enclosure Kit with windows 10' x 20', you would have to also buy the Max APTM Canopy 10' x 20' - 6 Legs

 

[donrae]

Be sure to consider your snow load and wind conditions for your area.

 

[RonP]

As others mentioned, great idea except for the light issue.

If electric is available, even an outdoor rated extension cord plugged into a GFIC outlet, light should be considered.

Do a quick search on winter lighting for ideas.

Welcome to BYC!

 

[ladyearth]

I have that shelter logic unit. bought it on sale at TSC...... It is white on the inside... we used it for our first set of chickens. when I got them from local flea mkt for 40.00... six 2 yr olds.... crammed into a small cage....... I prob felt sorry for them...
as usual I was NOT prepared.. so right away that day bought that TSC piece of junk house with ext run.... we decide before they closed that 6 chickens way to much for that little piece of junk coop. so hurriedly bough the 2nd unit before store closed... poor Hubby said.. "Not again... chickens".
that day I bought them first day of March nice weather.. daot using the shelter logic It kept them out of the wind etc.. it was toasty warm if the sun was out. also it snowed some that period so I went out and pushed on the roof or two later back to winter.. snow etc. since we were not using it... so for those weeks it really helped.. they were in it for over a month till big coop was built and run covered roof with poultry wire.... wow
so it not bad . it kept the wind off them too Toasty warm long as sun was out. Most time durin the day the front flap was wired or tied up
but a clear one or white like suggested be nice .too. But that dark gray outside prob made it warmer inside.. cant say for sure...
just my opinions