I’d put a workshop in there and simply build the coop next to it. The chickens won’t care that it has concrete floor and electricity but you’ll appreciate it.
To expand on the other person re: heat: not really but sort of. Dry and out of the wind, and make sure the water dish stays liquid (they make self regulating pads that are peck proof for ~$20).
Ive heard it’s actually bad to have the coop toasty, it screws up their biology to deal with the cold going from hot to cold.
I am in hardiness zone 4a in northern Maine. It’s gets VERY cold here. Water dishes will definitely freeze. They don’t have to be toasty, but I don’t think -20 or whatever is a good coop temperature?
I’d put a workshop in there and simply build the coop next to it. The chickens won’t care that it has concrete floor and electricity but you’ll appreciate it.
Chickens will need some form of heat in the winter, yes?
Honestly I’m in Florida so it didn’t even occur to me. I’m glad you asked and others gave you better info!
To expand on the other person re: heat: not really but sort of. Dry and out of the wind, and make sure the water dish stays liquid (they make self regulating pads that are peck proof for ~$20).
Ive heard it’s actually bad to have the coop toasty, it screws up their biology to deal with the cold going from hot to cold.
I am in hardiness zone 4a in northern Maine. It’s gets VERY cold here. Water dishes will definitely freeze. They don’t have to be toasty, but I don’t think -20 or whatever is a good coop temperature?
No. People have been keeping chickens in some of the coldest climates for ages