1st winter with chicks heat or no heat

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400
 
We have 22 buffs in a 8x12 shed converted into a coop. Plenty of roost space two wooden ladders going to top and 4 large feeding tubes also feed warm oatmeal at 4pm with berries and other scraps. I'm going to put in a thermometer today we're still getting 1 1/2 dozen eggs per day.
 
If they are staying inside all day than the coop is way too small. Your egg production is excellent but it will suffer if they don't have more room. That snow hardly qualifies as snow but throw down some straw than put their treats out in the run. Toss the head hen and a few of her buddies out in the run and force the issue if you have to. I constantly refresh my run with hay and horse poop and they don't even notice the snow.
 
Percheron chick said:
If they are staying inside all day than the coop is way too small. Your egg production is excellent but it will suffer if they don't have more room. That snow hardly qualifies as snow but throw down some straw than put their treats out in the run. Toss the head hen and a few of her buddies out in the run and force the issue if you have to. I constantly refresh my run with hay and horse poop and they don't even notice the snow.
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Good advice from Percheron chick.

Also, what's the ventilation situation like in your coop? Maybe there's more to it than I can see.
 
We added 3 full windows to the coop also and have plenty straw for warmth too! There's two full size doors on the front and the flip door with ramp for them to go in and out
 
Last edited:
Hello there, and my warmest welcome to Backyard Chickens! I am so glad you decided to join the community and I do hope you will make yourself at home here! :frow
 

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