Frozen Coop!

[elijahpmcc]

Hey! I have an older wooden coop and since it’s becoming winter here on van inland, the moisture in the wood has frozen and the outcome of that is that some things are frozen shut! Does anyone have ideas to help with that or recommendations? It thaws out during the day but I would like to avoid this the best I can
Thank you!

 

[LaFleche]

Hey! I have an older wooden coop and since it’s becoming winter here on van inland, the moisture in the wood has frozen and the outcome of that is that some things are frozen shut! Does anyone have ideas to help with that or recommendations? It thaws out during the day but I would like to avoid this the best I can
Thank you!

More ventilation and daily clean up of the nightly droppings will help to reduce the moisture inside the coop.

And applying some deer suet around the door rims can prevent them from freezing shut.

 

[horror_trashcan]

I take a stick of beeswax and rub it around any doorframes, hinges etc. I'd assume other waxes would work as well.

 

[KyCoop]

Cut a peice of canvas tarp or some kind of heavy material and attach it over the doors. You can lift the material (and ice) up to open the door.

 

[aart]

the moisture in the wood has frozen

The wood is soaking wet..and freezes at night?
What exactly is freezing shut?
Pics of coop, inside and out, would hep here.

van inland

Where is this...state, country, etc?

 

[DLA]

Hey! I have an older wooden coop and since it’s becoming winter here on van inland, the moisture in the wood has frozen and the outcome of that is that some things are frozen shut! Does anyone have ideas to help with that or recommendations? It thaws out during the day but I would like to avoid this the best I can
Thank you!

I have one gate on the fence around my water garden that was doing the same thing. I took a old hand held wood planer and shaved off just a little where it was sticking (I guess you could just sand it down a little too with a dremel or sandpaper or something) so the two pieces where it's touching and freezing aren't quite touching. Just don't take too much off or you get a gap where mice or a snake could get in since it's for a coop. Take just a little off then check it and keep doing that till you get it just right. Once you get it right then put a thin coat of wood sealant on it.

 

[Island Coppers]

Try some petroleum jelly (vaseline). Any non toxic oil that's thick enough should work. It's also good for the seals on car doors, opens easily, no tearing the rubber.

 

[Ted Brown]

Where is this...state, country, etc?

Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada.

 

[DLA]

Didn't netflix have a documentary about Vancouver Island called Island of the Sea Wolves? That is an awesome watch and the scenery there is amazing!!

 

[Bawkbok]

So many great ideas here - you folks are amazing!