Belly Rubs

[MissChick@dee]

Yes it’s a wonderful feeling when your birds choose to get affection from you. Breed definitely helps Orpington’s are known for their pleasant demeanor.
I too start very young and it shows in their ability to seek out cuddles and petting. Out of all my birds my SLW is loud constantly complaining is least freidly and does not seek attention like the others this is true to all the personality traits listed for this breed.
Contrary breed behaviors happen too. My leghorn is the biggest lap baby. She fly’s up every day just to fall asleep in my lap. She coo’s and tells me all about her day.
So depending on your lifestyle and what you want out of your chickens...it’s all about the time you invest.
Best wishes

 

[asphaltwarrior1]

Wow so much helpful info ! Thank you all, we do intend to expand the flock once we get pur feet firmly on the ground and fully adjust to caring for our BO's. We are definitely hooked that's for sure.

 

[asphaltwarrior1]

They have been introduced to the coop. I've sealed up all drafts installed a thermometer, heater for the water, heat lamp.and small white light with variable timer .....Temps are about 35 to 45 here during the day and 18 to 30 at night for this week then appears to be 30 high and 18 lows next week and so on. . .

 

[Wyorp Rock]

They have been introduced to the coop. I've sealed up all drafts installed a thermometer, heater for the water, heat lamp.and small white light with variable timer .....Temps are about 35 to 45 here during the day and 18 to 30 at night for this week then appears to be 30 high and 18 lows next week and so on. . .

Woohoo!
Getting them outside is always great!

I see you mention that you sealed up all drafts, but there is still plenty of ventilation correct? A coop need to have air flowing through it all times, just not direct drafts that will blow on the chicks

 

[asphaltwarrior1]

Yes plenty of ventilation for sure. I have a slide window on top that should provide enough ventilation and can slide the door open that leads to the mini coop run as well. Edit. I have the small coop with a run attached inside of the larger 8x8 run I built. Spring they get a huge 8x8 coop built onto the side of the 8x8 run .

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Yes plenty of ventilation for sure. I have a slide window on top that should provide enough ventilation and can slide the door open that leads to the mini coop run as well. Edit. I have the small coop with a run attached inside of the larger 8x8 run I built. Spring they get a huge 8x8 coop built onto the side of the 8x8 run .

Sounds good!
I know it always sounds counter-intuitive to have an open window, vents, eaves, etc. especially in winter - we seem to want to shut them up to keep them comfy. That can be detrimental to health and the respiratory system, since the ammonia from droppings needs to be pulled up and out.
Often a lot of respiratory illnesses/conditions are seen in winter from people shutting their coops up too tightly.

 

[asphaltwarrior1]

When I start a new adventure I immerse myself in a solid forum and read as much as I can to build a foundation and then grow from the variables that present themselves in my situation. Love this site

 

[Wyorp Rock]

When I start a new adventure I immerse myself in a solid forum and read as much as I can to build a foundation and them grow from the variables that present themselves in my situation. Love this site

Fantastic!
I love this site too