Advise for new chicken owner

[bobbi-j]

One other thing I forgot to mention. I would suggest hay or straw in your coop for winter instead of sand. Hay or straw bedding will be warmer for them to snuggle down into.

 

[Mrs. K]

I think that it would be good to try a variety of hens, often times I have thought, I will like this and then didn't. I would strongly encourage some egg laying breeds with the dual purpose hens, cause those girls do lay, you will have very few days without eggs with them in your flock.

I would imagine that you are worried about the cold, but depending where in Alaska you are, I would consider the day length. Long nights tend to really decrease egg production, especially with dual purpose breeds. You may need some additional light.

Mk