Winter Greenhouses

Winter in Minnesota presents challenges. To keep laying hens warm and dry from December through March, we convert our mobile summer coops to Winter Greenhouses. We trade tarps (which provide shade and airflow during the summer) for premium greenhouse sheeting for high light transmission, solar energy collection, and air-tightness.

Even low winter sunlight generates plenty of solar heat

Kids helping with egg collection in our toasty Winter Greenhouses.

Chickens’ egg-laying production is directly proportional to day length. During the Winter Solstice, our latitude receives approximately 9 1/2 hours of sunlight. These winter greenhouses are designed to capture as much natural light as possible (compared to a traditional enclosed wooden coop).

Even without supplemental artificial lighting, our chickens lay eggs throughout the winter. Premium high-transmission greenhouse plastic permits 90% of available light to reach the hens. In addition to this solar radiation, the “deep bedding” compost on the floow generates heat and insulation overnight.

Even at -10°, it’s warm and toasty inside. As a bonus, snow piles up along the edges of the grenhouses, providing additional insulation and wind protection.

In short, even during the shortest, coldest days of the year, the laying hens continue to produce wholesome, beautiful eggs for your family and ours.