Be honest, what would YOU do? Vote.

[Living_Legend]

Your chickens will probably all pile into the same nest box, no matter how many boxes you have. Kind of like ladies going to the bathroom - if one goes, more will follow.

That's what I read and seen in YouTube videos lol but it's still suggested that I offer them a few options right?

 

[bobbi-j]

That's what I read and seen in YouTube videos lol but it's still suggested that I offer them a few options right?

Yes, I would still offer a couple of more options.

 

[Alaskan]

I don't heat at all. But I have standard sized, winter hardy, small-combed chickens. I had a couple of large-combed roosters last winter, and they did get frostbite from the cold, but it was also -25 for a number of days when that happened. They were fine, by the way. Just had smaller combs come spring.


See above about my frostbite issues a year ago. They may get frostbite here and there when it gets super cold like that. I used to lock my chickens in the coop with a heat lamp and no ventilation. The frostbite issues were far more common, and at warmer temperatures than I have experienced since I quit doing that.

We all have to do what we feel is best for our chickens, and for me not heating seems to be the way to go.

yep!!!! More ventilation and no heat usually means much less frostbite as well as less respiratory issues.

Now when it is -20F and much colder for weeks at a time heat can be important.

 

[Living_Legend]

My other intentions with the heat was move the chicks from the garage to the coop Week 4-5 and have that heat option at night.....

 

[JDisme]

Last summer 10 worked fine for me in the same amount of space. When winter hit, so did the pecking. Didnt know until it was to late... RIP Leghorn

 

[Living_Legend]

Last summer 10 worked fine for me in the same amount of space. When winter hit, so did the pecking. Didnt know until it was to late... RIP Leghorn

Thanks for the insight and sorry

 

[oregonkat]

I haven't read all the pages here so forgive me if I am rehashing something but what if you get roosters in with your shipment? The question then is somewhat answered, and a whole new one pops up. What to do with the extra roosters?

 

[Living_Legend]

I haven't read all the pages here so forgive me if I am rehashing something but what if you get roosters in with your shipment? The question then is somewhat answered, and a whole new one pops up. What to do with the extra roosters?

I ordered all hens but yes its possible to get a rooster. I actually wouldn't mind 1 rooster, i wouldnt be happy with more than 1 and try to give an extra away.

Roosters do not change sqft numbers right?

 

[lcwmt]

I have good ventilation I also have power to the coop if I needed to add some radiant heat and I also purchased cold weather Hardy Birds. But you're right we do have winter in Maryland.... We don't have snow on the ground too much it happens but it goes away pretty quick

I would search this before next winter comes but since we're already talkin At what point do you cut access off to the Run for the chickens? A certain temperature?

I am in Montana. We have serious Winter. It gets very cold and stays that way, unless it doesn't <G>. This year's pullets were happy to go out in all sorts of weather except strong wind at sub zero temps. I do not close access to the run, it's up to them if they want o go out.
The winter water dish is a heated dog bowl, otherwise, no artificial heat or light in my uninsulated coop. The ventilation runs under the eaves on both long sides.
When there is a lot of snow on the ground I stomp down pathways, they like this. I have to do it for myself to get out there, so it's not a big deal.
Your coop is lovely BTW (and I am not voting on how many birds you should keep. Just consider that you may want to add a few birds in a year or two.)

 

[SuperMyke]

I think each flock has its own chemistry. That being said I think a lot has to do with the demeanor of the chickens you have like was stated above by AmazingRachel. If you raise them from chicks together I think you will have better luck than if you pick and choose pullets. As long as they can free range once and awhile I think they will all get along just fine. Affection and time curtail many bad behaviors. Have fun!!