Some wood, sails and bungees will do the trick
In Minnesota, where I live, it is colder outside and your chickens may spend more time in the coop and choose to roost where it is warmer. The problem is that chickens need fresh air and exercise. They become stronger and healthier when they run outside for part of the day.
Silkies I grow are surprisingly hardy and ideal for cold areas. Not only do they have small walnut combs and almost non-existent combs, they also have feathers on their feet to keep their legs warmer.
Silkies can withstand cold, but must be protected from wetness and wind.
A word: Plast
Most chickens don't like walking in the snow. Enclosing your run with plastic or a tarp can block the wind and prevent snow and rain from entering the run.
This year we are trying out a new type of plastic. Instead of using plastic that comes in a roll, we ordered clear tarps that have grommet holes built into them. There are also lines running through the sail to keep the sail stronger and prevent it from tearing in the wind.
We placed eye hooks in the wood along the bottom of the barrel. The through holes fit into the hooks and secure the tarp. We then use bungee cords at the top to secure the sail.
Hopefully this clear tarp can be easily taken down and left up for many years to come. Where necessary we also use zippers to keep the tarpaulin safe.
You don't have to complete the entire run. The north and west sides are the most important to cover as this provides the best wind and snow blocks. You need a number of holes for ventilation. I leave the doors open so the air can flow in and out.
Boredom can be a problem in winter. This can lead to behavioral problems such as feather picking and egg eating. A spacious enclosure gives the hens personal space and freedom of movement.
You can use plywood, tarp, or even bales of hay or straw to block the wind, but clear plastic allows the sun to shine through and keeps the run light. It heats the inside just like a greenhouse would.
In the spring you simply take it out, fold it and store it away for next year.
Shelter outside the house
Alternatively, you can provide your run with an outdoor enclosure, for example a small onedog house. Use straw inside to keep your chickens warm. Straw retains heat better because it traps warm air in the stem.
Tip: Use some of that straw to create paths for chickens to walk on to keep their feet warmer.
I like to give them something to sit on in the run. We have the pea test in our run, which can get cold underfoot in the winter. Silkies do not need very high perches. We just put some 2x4 boards in front of it. When it is cold, they like to sit on these shelves. You can also use tree trunks or stumps to stand on.
Set up a dust bathing area for them in winter. You can make a new spot by purchasing some dust bathing material and placing it in a litter box.
Turn it on
Give your birds energy treats that they can only get when they take flight. These can be sunflower seeds or cracked corn. The more time they spend outside, the less cluttered the inside of your home will be.
It is important to remember that birds can tolerate much colder temperatures than humans. You just need to keep them dry and out of drafts or wind. Depending on how you feel, don't overheat your chickens. I keep the windows and doors to the garden open all winter.
If your chicken coop is one temperature and you have another temperature, this can lead to illness as birds move back and forth from warm to cold temperatures.
