Barking mad idea?

[dexterdoglancashire]

I was wondering if I could keep my girls in my greenhouse over winter. With obvious precations made if the sun should shine.
Am I barking mad? I'd move their hutch/run inside the greenhouse, but it would give them some extra leg room - and more importantly, out of the blinking awful rain we've had/are still having.
Any ideas/thought gratefully received.
DDL

[Eco-Chic]

I think it would be lovely for them as long as it's unheated. More pleasant for you in terms of cleaning the coop too.

[RichmondHens]

I presume it's a large greenhouse .....................????

You don't need to worry about them being cold - they will fluff their feathers up and be fine outdoors. If it stops them turning their run into a mud bath however then perhaps a good idea.

[dexterdoglancashire]

Oops! Drew has just very heatedly pointed out that this was his original idea which I said wouldnt work! OK Drew, point made..............

[Polly Fouracre]

My nephew incorporates his 8ft. by 6ft. greenhouse with his hen's run in the winter. The birds eat any hibernating nasties scratch up and manure the ground and benefit from the shelter and the bit of warmth from winter sunshine.
I think it's a great idea.

[FionaH]

Oops! Drew has just very heatedly pointed out that this was his original idea which I said wouldnt work! OK Drew, point made..............

Love it!

[di]

I've considered this for our newer lot...mainly for the benefit of Roo & possibly the other *Brahma because of their feathered feet...guess it'll be a lot easier to keep them clean in a greenhouse.
My only worry is that twice now,during bad storms,we've had panes of glass smashed...either by hail or blowing winds/rain.So for us I think we'll keep working on a plan B.

*still not sure if it's a boy or girl.

[RedThorn]

been thinking of putting the chicks in there as a halfway house DDL so not completely barking as others are thinking in the same lines.... not that I can qualify as sane...

[Nicos]

I think the idea sounds brill..apart from the broken glass

Every year we have to replace at least 6 panes of broken glass caused by high winds
Having said that- maybe you never have to do that???

I suppose you can always move them out if high winds are expected.

[Snadger]

Are you pinching my idea Bernie!

I have a rickety 8X12 greenhouse on the end of a hut. I've built a coop within the hut with a pophole out into the greenhouse and was just waiting of my toms to finish before using it as a winter quarters.

I'm also going to build a small run at the side of the greenhouse with another pophole from the greenhouse to it, so that I can let them outside if it's nice.

First heavy frost here last night so think I will probably move them this weekend and hope they leave the toms which are about mid way to top of greenhouse, alone!

[MaureenHall]

If you insulated the greenhouse inside, then if any glass gets broken it "shouldn't" smash inside the house? Yes? No? Maybe?

[Snadger]

If you insulated the greenhouse inside, then if any glass gets broken it "shouldn't" smash inside the house? Yes? No? Maybe?

I'm also thinking about smearing windowlene on the inside of glass to stop Mr fox and any other critter eying up my chooks. I'll leave the roof clear though!

[organic]

If you insulated the greenhouse inside, then if any glass gets broken it "shouldn't" smash inside the house? Yes? No? Maybe?

You could always use the wartime trick of putting tape on the glass to help hold it together in the event of breakage.
I've got no idea how successful that might be, but there must be a reason they did it.

[Eco-Chic]

I'm also thinking about smearing windowlene on the inside of glass to stop Mr fox and any other critter eying up my chooks. I'll leave the roof clear though!

How very naff. Can't you make window blinds or run up some curtains?

[dexterdoglancashire]

Many thanks for everyones advice. I hadnt thought about the broken glass, but have never had a problem. If you look closely at my avatar, you can see the greenhouse at the back, in the sheltered corner of the garden.
Drew now has designs of making a tunnel for the girls to go to and from their outside hutch/run into and out of the greenhouse. Watch this space!