2 QUESTIONS in this post, how often do you "restock" new Chickens and

[jen5680]

how often does everyone replace there chickens? I have read that you shouldn't keep them long because they have more of a chance of getting disease and what are some ways to heat a barn with no electicity?
Thanks!
Jen

 

[Judy]

Commercial operations keep hens about two years. Many on here let them live out their lives. They will often lay for several years, it varies, just not as many eggs.

Not sure why you would heat a barn if it is for chickens.

 

[Mahonri]

If you want a flock of 24 you should be getting 12 new pullets a year... and then cull the older ones.

 

[jojo@rolling acres farm]

Most of the time, I just let my girls live out there lives here until they go onto that big chicken coop in the sky.

An owl just took away my Rooster that I had for 6 years - his best friend and (wife) "Clara" is still here and still lays eggs several times a week.

Every year I just have to order new chicks...can't really help myself and I'm finding this is not the best place to spend extra time...if you're trying to cut down on poultry!

 

[farmin'chick]

How to heat the barn with no electricity...Hmmmm...How about....FILL IT UP with animals, including LOADS of beautiful chickens! LOL I gave my 21 baby Coturnix quail 8 tiny Partridge Rock chicks to help them stay warm.

 

[jen5680]

Well how do you keep the younger chicks warm if you don't heat the barn for them once it gets cold?
I was thinking of getting some chicks in October so I could sell them for laying hens in the spring but i can't keep them in the house for that long. No what I mean??? I just wondered what a good way there is to heat up the barn in the winter if i have no electric.
I already have some big girls out there but they aren't gonna help them any.

 

[Mahonri]

jojo@rolling acres farm :

Every year I just have to order new chicks...can't really help myself and I'm finding this is not the best place to spend extra time...if you're trying to cut down on poultry!

You got that right!​

 

[sonew123]

Quote:
we used LONNNGGG extension cords-seriously. The mini coop we made them for the winter was made out of kitchen cubboards-we used 1 heating light and 1 heated water bowl-the 4 of them hunkered down and did awesome-This year th enew coop went up and it is going to be fully insulated with a heating light-shouldnt get below 32 degrees in there-will have lots of hens to snuggle with too..

 

[Judy]

Quote:
Much cheaper to use heat lamps than to try to heat a barn; they only need heat for a few weeks, but they need 95 degrees at first; a bit much to do even with central heat. You will need a brooder and brooding area. I agree, you don't want them in the house unless it is just a few (I won't brood in the house.)

This sample chapter from Plamondon's book will give you a good idea of how a successful setup works:

http://www.nortoncreekpress.com/success_chap2.pdf

You will either need to wire a section of barn or consider building a brooder house closer to power, I would say.

Good luck.

 

[jen5680]

Thanks I will check that out!