AEG
I have wanted chickens for years and this spring, after about 2 years of research we got 5 sex-link brown chicks from a local hatchery.
After surviving the first 12 weeks we moved them to a manufactured coop we called their "summer home" since it was small and provided no insulation.
Recognizing that chickens might not need heat, our winters can drop to consistent -30C during the day and -40 or more at night. We also live surrounded by many predators both small and large including fox, bear, wolves, eagles, etc.
We have built a very sturdy coop that they have recently moved into. It is elevated with a 5X4 foot interior for them with elevated ceiling containing a skylight. There is a large window that opens with perches on multiple levels. We have 2 nesting boxes. There is a run directly below them that leads to a 10x10 run (we used a dog kennel with hardware cloth and a covered roof). We have lots of ventilation holes but have also included a hanging heated water dish and a radiant wall heater (Cozy Coop, looks like a flat screen tv lol) that we will only put on when, and if, it gets very cold. We have everything hooked up to power but also have a backup generator if needed.
I have been following BYC for about a year but only joined now to be able to ask questions. I LOVE this site.
After surviving the first 12 weeks we moved them to a manufactured coop we called their "summer home" since it was small and provided no insulation.
Recognizing that chickens might not need heat, our winters can drop to consistent -30C during the day and -40 or more at night. We also live surrounded by many predators both small and large including fox, bear, wolves, eagles, etc.
We have built a very sturdy coop that they have recently moved into. It is elevated with a 5X4 foot interior for them with elevated ceiling containing a skylight. There is a large window that opens with perches on multiple levels. We have 2 nesting boxes. There is a run directly below them that leads to a 10x10 run (we used a dog kennel with hardware cloth and a covered roof). We have lots of ventilation holes but have also included a hanging heated water dish and a radiant wall heater (Cozy Coop, looks like a flat screen tv lol) that we will only put on when, and if, it gets very cold. We have everything hooked up to power but also have a backup generator if needed.
I have been following BYC for about a year but only joined now to be able to ask questions. I LOVE this site.
- Location
- Northern Alberta, Canada
- Gender
- Female
- Why do you want to join our community?
- To learn from others
Followers
Trophies
-
10
Anniversary: 6 Year
6 years with us? We love having you here! -
10
Anniversary: 5 Year
WOW 5 years!?!? SUPER CONGRATS! -
10
Anniversary: 4 Year
4 years older and wiser too? Congrats on 4 years with us! -
10
Anniversary: 3 Year
WOOT! Happy 3 year anniversary! -
10
Anniversary: 2 Year
Time flies when you're having fun! Happy 2 year anniversary! -
10
Anniversary: 1 Year
Wow, it's been a year already!?! CONGRATS!! -
5
Messages: 10
10 messages posted. You're getting use to things around here! -
3
Anniversary: 1 Month
You have been a member of BYC for one month, we hope you've been enjoying it here! -
2
Anniversary: 1 Week
Congrats on your first week as a member of our community! -
10
Reactions Received: 50
Obviously you're pretty likable!! -
10
Reactions Received: 25
Your messages have been positively reacted to 25 times. -
10
Reactions Received: 10
Your messages have been positively reacted to 10 times! -
3
Has An Avatar
You have an avatar! -
5
Introduce Yourself
You've introduced yourself in our New Member Introduction section here. -
2
Reactions Received: 1st
Somebody out there reacted to one of your messages. Keep posting like that for more! -
2
Reactions Given: 1st
You reacted to something posted by another member! -
1
Messages: 1st
Post a message somewhere on the site to receive this. -
1
Started 1st Thread
You created a thread in our community, good job!