box vs roost

[crooked stripe]

There is a good article in Back Yard Poultry about winter and chickens. It would be good for all to check it out. The author says even in the coldest times a roost is the only way to go. Just keep the coop draft free. I have a thermometer in my coop and as soon as I close the door at dark the temp raises 20+ degrees. The coldest it has ever gotten is 29 when it was 12 outside. Only 12 birds in a 6x8 coop.

 

[ticks]

Quote:
Come to Northern Vermont.

It commonly gets -30 in feb and jan.

 

[BethinIrving]

My hens fly the coop every single night and perch in the bushes that surround their housing where the nesting boxes are.

I have no idea why they do this. They still lay their eggs in the boxes except for one hen who has her own spot she made in some vines that crawl up on the house.

At the break of dawn, they all leave the bushes and are already scratching around for bugs when I feed and water them.

I tried to make them stay in the housing and ended up with such a horrific bird revolt for three nights that for the sake of the neighbors, I gave in and let them stay in their bushes. They still sleep in those bushes.

Today the men folk in the family are out there building a new house for them hoping they will stay in it. We'll see.

Taking care of these critters is as much work as taking care of babies and toddlers. I love every minute of it, too.