Welcome from the outskirts of Bridgeport. Yeah I know its summer and the temps are getting around 90 degrees but I have a question for my fellow WV chicken friends. Since I am new to this chicken thing, what should I prepare to do for the winter. I like to look at things a few months ahead and plan for them especially since I may have to put money into it. If you look at my BYC page, you will see pics of my coop. Its not insulated but I tried to build it pretty solid. I ran electric to it before I put my girls out there and plan to build the second run later this fall. What in your opinions, should I do to make sure it is warm enough and not let my girls freeze to death. From what I have read, they will grow more feathers and down to help compensate for the cold weather. I have 3-4 inches of pine shavings and straw on the floor so if they need to they can huddle together in it to help retain heat. I know its a real trick to have a balance in the winter months, trying to keep them warm, but having a way to evacuate the ammonia from their droppings. The floor is not insulated underneath either, just 2x6 joists with 3/4 inch plywood with vinyl flooring on top. Any suggestions would be helpful. Thanks- Ken
Also, I think I have definately begun my chicken paraphenalia collection. I have been looking for practical items that have been used in the past. I just bought my second antique egg scale and my first egg carton. Also other parts of my collection include an old wooden chicken crate, a one dozen wooden egg crate, and an old plastic/rubberized coated wire egg basket. I think I may keep up with the old cartons since they seem to have a bit of nostalgia from the farms they came from. Have a Happy Fourth of July and God Bless.
