Winter Chicken Guide - NO Heat Open Air Coop & Cold Weather Tips

[@diyfferent]

How we built this chicken coop: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mn28eJtnhbiipdk Heated Pet Bowl Chicken Waterer: amzn.to/2RmE0Qq (affiliate link)

[@nikbroussard1]

Thank you for this!

[@Yeshuaschosen]

Thank you! I bought one in like new condition for only 4.oo on Amazon .I won't be getting any chicks until spring but couldn't turn it down for that price.

[@karenclausen6724]

Is there fencing to keep out predators as we have opossum, raccoons fox,coyotes in our valley.

[@diyfferent]

@@karenclausen6724 Yea, they are in a good-sized fenced run. It's hard to see though in this video since it blends in with the background. We don't have predators come around during the day anyway so it's only meant to keep the chickens in. At night they get locked in the coop.

[@hoodieboots7222]

We have son from the south and most of our wind comes from the south. So maybe we should face it east

[@michaelcook768]

You can be sure that chickens in the 1600s, 1700s were not in sealed buildings....most had nesting boxes in an barn or outbuildings. Chickens would come and go as they please. Areas with predators had fenced areas. Your birds sure look extremely healthy.

[@photina78]

Old time farmers did lock their chickens in at sundown so predators wouldn't get them.

[@bigsky5102]

I was talking to Momma about this a few weeks ago. She said they had gas lanterns along each wall.

[@heathershenton2750]

The chickens have to have a covered run during the winter. So can be out without being in the wind snow and freezing rain.

[@americanpatriot7247]

New chicken owner here. Brought my 8 hens into my house and put them in large dog crates on wood flake bedding when it went into the 20's..... so I could sleep without waking up worrying about them. I have an open air coop, too. Put them back outside in it when it went into the 40's/50's. What can I say?!!! Lol!!!!!

[@lyndaduncan2865]

We never had heat in our chicken houses

[@samwright8599]

I love your chickens, they have never known abuse and only been free. Its lovely. Be proud xx

[@lindacarruthers3423]

By the way , the reason we enjoy your stuff is because it triggers memories , it gives us ideas for enhancing our own lives , it makes us smile as we view , and we realize the world is probably not going entirely to the dogs after all !

[@kevinokeefe8783]

Old Marine here that my wife came home with 10 chicks and 2 ducks, I have to learn fast and better be right the first time or im in the doghouse, This is a great video on coops and you are very appreciated, you may have saved my 6. Semper Fi

[@farmgirl7080]

Word of warning about leaving hay for your chickens. One of our hens ate hay and it became impacted in her crop and entire digestive tract. I struggled for weeks treating her for sour crop. I eventually got her to pass a 8"long twisted rope of long blades of hay three weeks later by giving her dulcolax for a few days. I had to syringe feed her a liquid diet. She survived to live another year but was never as lively as she was before the blockage.

[@kathysoltys3104]

Good to know. Sorry about your girl

[@1611bloodbought]

Doug you are an excellent teacher. Still praying for you and your family for safety, strength and progress. Take care

[@barbarainalabama460]

Your place looks like a Winter Wonderland ❄️❄️❄️❄️Happy and healthy flock. 🥚🐓🥚🐓🥚🐓🥚🐓🥚🐓🦚🔨Shalom

[@CristinaNogueiraAlves]

I do really love your coop! I'm planning building one just like yours! I've been keeping chicken for 20 years and everything you said is absolutely accurate

[@kathyvelasquez3682]

I think you are a very intelligent young man. Thanks for the info..also, yea you for wearing a mask when cleaning the coop. Smart, smart, smart.

[@marymisdom3955]

It's like your chickens are family! You've made a very nice environment for them.

[@barbielee7523]

My 2 chickens are 10 years old now❤️ We have a Rhode Island Red hen and a little Bantam rooster. They are happy and well here in Massachusetts 🌷 Your set up for your chickens is perfect !

[@diyfferent]

Wow those are old chickens! Awesome!

[@beth5765]

So many people worried about chickens freezing yet we have these tiny birds that hang around all winter and survive with no shelter or food/water from humans. I do love the ideas of adding ashes to their dust bath and the hay pathway is something I definitely plan to do.

[@kathygirlygirl4109]

Doug, the photo bombing chicken was killing me. Love those birds. They are fun to watch and I think they really enjoy you being out there with them. You have done a great job with them. Take care dude!

[@cynthiabetts440]

Hahaha! I was watching that chicken too! Very funny! 😂

[@kaycox5555]

Chock full of information; appreciated the time and posting this video. My only surprise is that with these free-rangers, and while living in the country, you've been blessed with zero predators. Blessings.

[@diyfferent]

We've lost two to predators, one of which ended up going missing randomly during the day and never saw her again, but we're assuming a predator got her. We have the run fenced that keep most of them in so they technically aren't free-range even though a few hens like to get out to lay their eggs in the barn each day :)

[@potusol]

One thing I have always appreciated about your videos and your projects is the thoughtfulness and the research you guys do. I also love the fact that you acknowledge that everything is a learning process and you are constantly learning by doing all of these things. Your family is very inspirational!

[@lenellamaxwell6934]

As Doug said on Off Grid with Doug and Stacy, become Master of One. You have certainly done that. You have done your research, applied techniques that have made sense to you, and now you have the ability to teach others. Just like when you taught to not dip newborn chicks' beaks into the water bowl, they will find it their self. Down to earth common sense. Thanks for sharing. Love and blessings.

[@lindacarruthers3423]

Absolutely love this one . Such a charming bunch of ladies getting on with things , murmuring cosy noises as they go . Living life .

[@paulaboynton8299]

They look healthy and happy. Win win!

[@gwenjohnston-petrarch5071]

Thank you for sharing this video. Even though I've successfully raised two flocks over the last five years and have even gone through some really cold (long-lasting) weather where we lived in NY, we're now in TN and expecting a dramatic cold front that will last a few days. For some reason, it had me worried about keeping my girls (and boys) warm. Your video has reminded me it is better to work with nature than try to fiddle with it. My coop faces south and has ventilation via two small closeable windows and a screened ridge vent which is about 6' long and 5" wide. I was worrying whether I should close that up with plastic to prevent breezes but am seeing now that I definitely should not do that. I also fill their run and coop with hay so they have a lot of forage (I can't free range here because of too many ground and air predators), as well as ferment their feed. Thank you for the video, it eased my mind!

[@BobbleheadHomestead]

I should try those mats. When it gets muddy I usually have to change out the hay. Great tips, thanks!

[@diyfferent]

Update on the mats. So far the hens definitely prefer the hay nesting box to the ones with the mats. As you know, chickens are creatures of habit so that may be part of it. I'm curious to see how they do if all three have the mats and they don't have a choice. In the end we just want happy chickens so we'll keep experimenting.

[@zinnialady5153]

They sound contented. I love hearing them.

[@sharonl6202]

Your chickens look so healthy and clean.

[@susanvasquez3625]

SO happy to see this! I often refer people in my chicken group to your channel when they think they need to heat their coop, or if the are planning to build one, etc. Now it is all in one great video!

[@ArthurValencia9438]

You have learned so much. Any Teacher/Professor would be proud of you. You are doing so great at living the life you what. I love watching you & Ashley and your videos. Art in CA

[@diyfferent]

Thank you for your kind gift. We really appreciate it.

[@ourfloridagarden4191]

They are such happy chickens 🐓 🐓 🐓 🐓 🐓 🐓 🐓 🐓 🐓

[@faith5795]

That chicken following your hand was cracking me up! So sweet. 😂

[@bloominginplace4791]

Your video just saved me the cost of an insulated coup. So happy you shared your experience.

[@cint4347]

You are absolutely correct. As long as the birds are dry and away from the wind, they will be fine. This is how the birds in the wild survive.

[@noveltysteph]

Thank you! I live in the primary snow belt in NE Ohio. I spent hours today wrapping the run with plastic hoping to decrease the wind and snow accumulation in there. I also covered about 1/2 of the coop with plastic because I’m extremely concerned about the wind. Their chicken door will be open during the day and there are vents at the roofline. The coop is not airtight. This is my first winter with chickens; I guess I’ll learn as I go.

[@sweetscatlady]

You must of had a talk with my father about chickens. He did the same thing as you are doing with your chickens. He was raised in Oklahoma and moved to Arizona when I was 2. With all his farm 🚜 experiences and his knowledge in raising animals our animals were well taken care of and our gardens grew very well. We had white chickens like yours also Rhode Island reds. Also banties. You are doing a great job with your chickens. Steal love that rooster. My dad raised almost every kind of fowl. From peacocks to pigeons. Thank you for discussing your chickens. 🐓🐔🐔🐔❤❤

[@janiceaucoin1435]

Little Girl: "I'll lay my egg where I want!" Your chickens are beautiful and so healthy and happy.

[@Idolmakercat]

I love seeing the chickens. They look so healthy and pretty.

[@cathysteenson9591]

Your flock is beautiful. I love everything about your coop and chicken yard. Your idea of putting out hay so they'll go out and forage and sit out there on their perch is spot on. Mine dust under the coop, too. They're smart little things for only having a bird brain. ;-)

[@lindathornton3308]

I just watched a great homesteading video about growing American Elderberry bushes (not European varieties) and how much chickens love the berries which keep them very healthy. I was so impressed I am going to try to grow them myself. The shrubs actually improve the soil and can easily be propagated. The berries are used to make healthy drinks and chutneys. Sambucol is a flu remedy that is made from American elderberries.

[@diyfferent]

Thanks for the info :)

[@smallfootprint2961]

Great video. They seem so happy out there with you. They know you take care of them.

[@suemcdermott3522]

You are a 'Jack of all Trades' Doug. Thanks for sharing. 🐓🐓

[@mjc42701]

The chickens look very healthy and happy.

[@DisabledUKPrepper]

Lovely to have an update on the chickens. I totally agree on the way you've made the coop. It's the way we always had our chickens live, and they seemed to do well. As you pointed out, the small wire is what makes a difference with the weather. I especially loved the close interaction the chickens had with you while you were filming. Such inquisitive behaviour.

[@melanieeaton7302]

Everytime I see the perch you built, I flash back on you perched on it. Still makes me laugh.

[@diyfferent]

:D

[@abc123xyz-q2p]

They definitely look happy and healthy, and I will say again, they love being around you.

[@mollyrauber9400]

My nephew in high school as a project, in a shed behind his house, grew larva and dehydrated it for chicken food. Well that was about 6 yrs ago. He has quite college, has won awards one from Forbes business as a new young entrepreneur..his food is amazing for chickens called " Grubbly" Farms. Good stuff for the chickens.

[@brendashelby5593]

Your chickens are gorgeous and very happy and healthy

[@elisabethlyons8089]

As always thank you for your very informative video, love seeing the chickens they are looking very healthy and happy.😊

[@freeplace5243]

Very informative , where I live in Virginia my family always had Chickens and ducks , My grandmother used to make cakes with duck eggs and they were very good. I can remember the smells of her kitchen and the wood cook stove and everything always tasted good. Seeing this just took me back home to Grandmas house.

[@roguetoast8355]

it's amazing how little things can brighten your day. like a chicken video with a great little tune. awesome video! thank you

[@HyacinthDaisyRose]

good to see your chickens doing well and happy! I never knew that they liked to dust bathe. :)

[@ambermonahan8674]

I'm so happy I came across your videos! My hubby wants to build an outdoor, open air chicken coop. We love the way you explain everything and we plan to follow all your advice when building ours this spring!

[@imari2305]

Haha Doug your chickens are just photo bombing your video haha!! Beautiful birds they are :-)

[@amandasinclair6133]

aw it was just lovely to hear all the happy noises!! such contented birds- they clearly love you as much as you love them and they not only sound contented they look super healthy, a very informative video too as always. love the mats - I hope the chickens like them too. my mother would go once a year to the nearest battery egg producer and get the chickens who were not laying enough for being worth keeping and they would come home with no feathers and look so sad but after some good food and clean beds they would produce eggs and make those happy noises that is so relaxing and satisfying to listen to.

[@thomasgreen9005]

Chickens look great Doug. Looks like you have a couple friends. Doesn't look like they're afraid of you at all. Generally you say if someone gets in trouble they're in the dog house, for Doug however when Ashley gets mad at him we know now he's in the chicken coupe!

[@justpde]

Doug, you inspire me with every video----showing how to live frugally, healthily, creatively, and wisely. I thank you and always look for your next video with eagerness. Bless you and family.

[@idahopastures54]

100%! This is an awesome video! You've hit all the points. We raise chickens in Northern Idaho and were initially concerned about our flock in our sometimes incredibly cold weather. If you follow this video, you'll be A.O.K.! Get the right breed for your area, keep your chickens out of drafts, give them plenty of ventilation, room to run in the winter, put hay on the snow, give them dirt bath areas, places to perch, and plenty of fresh water.

[@AfterTheRains]

Great advice and you have healthy, happy, busy, spoiled chickens.

[@jesusisGod1434]

I am now invested In Your chickens! I look forward to seeing them again and learning how they like the door mat In their nesting boxes. 👍🏼❤️

[@daniellesduckheadhomestead3127]

When Doug was talking that chicken was sure funny. It was just sitting there watching him, watching his hand go up and down while he was talking. I thought at one time that it was going to peck him. Thanks for sharing. Take care, see ya :)

[@ritarevell7195]

My grandma would have loved your low maintenance nesting box. When I was little, I went into her coop one time (I wasn't trusted to collect eggs). It was about as large as your hay storage place. It was not an open air coop. I like your design much better. Chicken coops and pig stys, for me are the nastiest parts of the farm. I am thinking that this open concept it really smart.

[@journeyspastlightahead1606]

Your birds are so cute and they look very happy and content. You can tell they are well kept. I certainly can see the importance of all that you shared. Even if I don’t have chickens I can share this video with people who do. Take care Doug And Ashley

[@feralgal46]

What I enjoy most about your channel? LOVE...the love you and Ashley have for each other, taking each other's needs and wishes into consideration. Then there is the love you have for your children...always thinking of what they need to be safe, happy and healthy. Today you just showed us how you lovingly provide for all the needs, happiness and well being for your chickens. And of course, last but not least...your home and environment are lovingly cared for. All of this is actually contributing to the healing of a very sick planet. Just think if all or most of us did this in our daily lives. Thank you for setting such an amazing example of...LOVE! Karen (I grew up on a big chicken ranch, by the way. Our hens never looked as healthy as yours. They were raised in big long barracks style houses...1500 of them at all times!)

[@lindanichols7296]

Wonderful information Doug. I will say that you and Ashley have always been such good care givers to your animals. I liked the chicken coup you had in Indiana,then the second home in Indiana was really awesome also. You guys research before you dive in to anything and I have seen people just get chickens to raise for eggs and haven’t a clue what they are doing.its actually sad because the animals suffer.Your chickens are beautiful and very fortunate to have such awesome care givers. Great video. God Bless

[@fawncanulli1359]

Your chickens look beautiful, healthy and very happy.

[@maggiecreech8244]

That chicken was hilarious following your hands every move. 😂

[@bellavita2484]

Yes, so cute! 🐥😄

[@lindamcconnell9441]

Your birds look beautiful. It pays to do your homework.

[@darlenebracken5482]

Chickens also are really fun to watch..I could watch them for hours!! This was a really informative video..thank you!! Keep the videos coming!!

[@lindathornton3308]

That was a ton of great information. Thank you! I may never have chickens again, but in the past I inherited 4 chickens that I kept in a backyard shed - wish I had your info then. They each had their own personality, a definite pecking order, they actually looked out for each other, and my yard was cleaned out of a plague of slugs.

[@jeremiahmitra7680]

I'm so happy to watch your videos more to come love you guys 😘😘😘

[@terrystroder8106]

I really enjoyed your knowledge about how to care for your chickens. I’m sure you helped several of your viewers from making bad mistakes along the way. Just looking at your snow gave me chills to the bone. Brrrrr. Here in Louisiana it will be 79 today so we hardly ever see snow here. Your and your family please stay warm and good luck with your future progress. Looking forward to your next video as always! ❤️ Nana from Louisiana

[@diyfferent]

Chickens are pretty hardy and there is more than one way to keep them, but we do hope our thoughts help. Thank you :)

[@cheecheedivine]

Thank you for sharing that information on the chickens.I have wondered how the chickens were being maintained for the winter.

[@sheila220947]

Aw you certainly look after your chickens and they look very happy and healthy and a good size xx

[@missryanswers]

Best, by far, chicken coop info I've seen out of countless vids on KZbin. I've been preparing for a yr. Got my starter chickens 2 wks ago. All's well, BUT this video allows me to make a time saving change.Thank you!!!

[@Bunefoo401]

I like how much you research every new thing you do, as well as how you can improve on existing methods of animal care. You don’t jump in “HOPING” things work out, without doing your homework first. ❤️

[@babs2522]

Great video Doug, I thought that chicken was going to have a wee peck at your hand lol, love and blessings from Scotland :) :)

[@fergusontea]

We used the same principle of “dry and out of the wind” for our cattle. The calves were in individual “hutches” which were open to the weather on the front. Mortality went down to near zero, compared to when they were housed together in a barn.

[@jkbeattyable]

Canadian chickens, hardy breed for cold weather! They look very good. Thank you for sharing. ❤❤❤❤

[@donnaprice7931]

I love chickens...yours are VERY well cared for. 🐓🐓🐓🐓🐓🐓

[@maggiesue4825]

GREAT advice! I'm sending a link to this video to the NorthernSeclusion channel, as he has chickens kept in a closed up coop with no ventilation, no natural light, and no heat!

[@colombepetite]

Very interesting and I do not own chickens. I really appreciate the way you “teach” how you and Ashley have chosen to live without any bias or opinions. You explain things very matter of fact-ly and also why you do things the way you do. It’s a relief to watch your content. You two are a very lovely young couple.

[@StormHawk15]

I live in Michigan too. Winter came early this year and I've been worrying about my chickens, but this made me feel a lot better. Lovely setup, birds look happy.

[@kathleenroman9379]

Excellent video! Beautiful chickens! Loved how they are not afraid, even to the point of photo bombing you! Lol. Don’t have chickens, so I’ll enjoy yours vicariously! 😂😂. ❤️❤️🙏❤️❤️ 👍

[@redbird1824]

I live in Fairbanks Alaska. You are EXACTLY right about open air chicken coops .My chickens do fine at -40.I got onto it by reading a book written by a commercial chicken grower in Minnesota in 1900.PEAPLE DO BETTER IN FRESH AIR TOO! Daniel Boone slept outside when he could.Around the same time they started taking peaple out of asylums and parking them outside all day with blankets on them.They all improved greatly.!!Hospitals and old folks homes are breeding grounds for disease.Wearing a MASK IS A HEALTH RISK!

[@johncspine2787]

Wrong. Masks prevent airborne droplet reinfection and infection. Welcome to the post Dark Ages.

[@redbird1824]

@@johncspine2787 Better make sure ya get all the vaccines too since you already drank the koolaid.Don' t read the deagle report though thats just a conspiracy theory.

[@janw491]

Surgeons/nurses wear face masks for a reason, they work! At the very least, if you are unsure, wear a mask just in case the scientists know what they are talking about

[@redbird1824]

@@janw491 www.bitchute.com/video/JtPTJmnIWDq0/

[@janicereeser1965]

Whoooho my son and I want to build a co-op here in Florida now I can show him this video perfect timing, thank you very much 🐓🐔🐣🐥🐤🐓🐔

[@Katalinmason]

We’re new to raising chickens and yours is the first video I’ve seen of using sawdust. We started using sawdust from the beginning because I like the smell and the absorbency. Plus it helps that we’re surrounded by small lumber yards who are happy to load your truck with it 😂. It’s also great to use in my garden after its cleaned out of the coop. We use the mats in our nest boxes as well. It’s so easy to keep clean so I don’t have soiled eggs. I loved your video and hope to have a coop like yours someday.

[@rexterrier1]

Your chickens 🐓 🐓🐓 🥚 🥚 are enjoying that fresh hay! Stay warm ⛄️❄️☃️💕

[@chlexiel.1022]

Those are some happy chickens. You gave a lot of great info 😊👍

[@clarelove3738]

Lots of good info for the likes of me who knows nothing about rearing chickens. Those ones are a beautiful breed too.

[@suzanneleblanc1077]

You are a great teacher!

[@picketfence2028]

The chickens are just beautiful! They look so healthy! They even sound happy! I really love your coop. We've kept chickens for 40 years. We always limit to10 hens and one rooster. We found that two roosters would always fight we'd have one dominant rooster that would beat up the other rooster and some of the hens so we just keep one. We just finished our retirement home this fall and are ready build a new coop. My husband's excited about using some of your ideas! We're re in the Pacific Northwest and we have snow right now, but we don't get extreme cold or heat we have a pretty mild climate. Thank you so much for all the great ideas it looks like you've really done your research. I grew up on a Iowa farm so chickens were a big part of our lives. My husband grew up here and he never experienced livestock so he loves our chickens. The Rhode Island Reds do great here, and they're great layers, we get lots of lovely brown eggs. I like hay instead of straw for the same reasons, they can forage in the winter. Health,love and luck to you and your little family! Hi Ashley!

[@boonedog4460]

So glad I watched your video - I was thinking I was being a terrible chicken owner because I live in Wisconsin and I don't like to heat my coop - only did it on the worst freezing temps. And I did make the mistake of keeping the coop too locked up tight! Now I will open the windows and know that Im doing the right thing. Thanks!

[@susiesmith6174]

Hi, I've been in a chicken coop once in my life and that was enough for me, lol. I'm a city born and raised gal and chickens, close up, scare me, lol. My brother became a farmer and raised all kinds of animals & veggies & loved it. I liked visiting him and going back to city life, lol. Love how your chickens are so comfortable around you and your family!!! Hi Ashley!!! Hugs all around!!!

[@maryjones4791]

Love my chickens I live in SW Florida we have a open chicken coop also .We have hardware cloth run so coop is always open but they are free range all day .We use sand for coop floor since our weather is never need for insulation Your setup Is similar to what we have minus the snow !

[@diyfferent]

Sound good. I'd like to try one of those snowless coops someday too, haha. A lot of people don't realize that heat is often more dangerous for livestock than the cold is so it's definitely important to have good ventilation down south too.

[@karenmilligan5597]

I like how you made them a walk way with the hay in the snow. The whole coup set up seems brilliant to me.🐔🐓

[@stevenvarga]

YAY CHICKENS!!! They look so nice, and seem less noisy since you thinned out the flock. :) Good job!

[@diyfferent]

So much less noisy and the birds are so much calmer now! It's been great, thanks!

[@shawnleeriley2726]

they're looking good and healthy great job with everything you are doing. Nothing like farm fresh eggs.

[@Catlovers52]

I'm so glad I saw this, we are about to build our coop. We live in Canada where winters can get very cold. I was going to insulate it. Now having second thoughts. Thanks for the info.

[@kscheuerman5378]

Doug, It is so wonderful how much knowledge you have learned, I am sure it will help a lot of people. The proof open air method is good is how healthy your chickens are, they are thriving!! Thanks for sharing them with us. Take care and God Bless.

[@lindaharvey5696]

Loved this video very interesting, your chicken's look very healthy and happy keep the videos coming 😃

[@sherimcgill6487]

I don’t have chickens, but if I ever do, I’ll surely refer back to this video. Very informative and enlightening!

[@mrrs8118]

Excellent! I love the breed you chose. Your chickens seem so content. 😊 You are correct about the coop - heat lamps are so dangerous and can be devastating. Might suggest removing the hay from all nest boxes so the hens get used to the mats sooner. Also, hens like privacy, so nest box curtains (hemmed strips of cloth 3-4 inches wide strung across the entrance to the nest boxes) might help in getting that one hen to lay her eggs in the nest box. Have you thought of using several inches of construction grade washed sand (or washed river sand, not manufactured or play sand) for your coop floor? It can be easily and quickly cleaned daily with a kitty litter scoop to remove droppings without replacing the sand. And chickens love dust bathing in it in the winter when the ground is frozen or snow covered.

[@SpringRiverHollar]

What a wonderful coop , thank you for sharing all of the tips .

[@PetraBlum258]

This is worth sharing, so everybody can learn from you.