The girls gazing out through their bubble wrap window
The Eglu becomes an Igloo (Winter-Care)
Soooo cold lately. But, the chooks are comfortable. This is my 3rd winter, and I’ve got the winterizing process down pat now. During the first winter, in 2007, I was quite concerned that the girls would get frost-bitten. At first I closed the coop each night to keep in the warmth, but before long I learned that it wasn’t at all necessary. The main thing is to keep the wind out. So, here’s my routine:
First, pick up some supplies:
Reptile heater from pet supply store
Roll of large bubble wrap from the moving store
Clear duct tape to tape up the bubble wrap seams and secure to Eglu and run
Water bowl with sensor to keep water from freezing
The reptile heater is plugged into an outdoor extension cord and placed in the coop. The floor is covered with wooden chips and the whole thing is draped with clear bubble wrap. It is important to use clear wrap, and a heater that does not generate light, because the chickens’ internal clocks respond to daylight hours. When it is dark, they go to sleep. Sleep = no eggs.
Cozy Coop
Close-up of the reptile heater in position in the coop. Far enough away not to burn, but close enough for comfort.