Cold Wyoming, what’s my best option?

[GBaldwin]

Howdy,

I’m a recent transplant to Wyoming from Texas. I have a home with an acre lot in a municipality. There is an existing shed deep in the backyard with power outlets both inside and outside the shed. I’m looking to get some chickens and a coop and place it next to the shed and use the existing power for heating. What are y’all’s thoughts? I have been looking at many different kinds, both wood and artificial coops, and radiant heaters. It can get to -20 degrees F where I’m at so I need water and chickens warm enough. I don’t want more than four max. Thanks in advance for considering.

 

[ValerieJ]

Welcome to BYC. Have you posted a new member introduction yet? There are several of us who watch for posts there. It's a great way to get to know everyone and for everyone to get to know you.

As for the coop, if you are buying it, keep in mind that however many chickens they say it will accommodate, it will actually accommodate half that. Basically, you need 4 sf per chicken inside the coop itself and then an additional 10 sf per chicken in the run or pen. And that is a bare minimum. Also, I would get a coop large enough to handle twice as many chickens as you think you want to have, because chicken math is real and you will probably end up with more than 4.

As for heat, I use a radiant heater and don't heat all of my coops so that chickens can decide if they want heat or not. Chickens don't need heat and some don't provide it at all. If they are dry and have plenty of ventilation in the coop, they will be fine. I have always had heat in my coop because in the beginning I didn't know better, and now I'm uncomfortable taking it away once they have had it. So, having 4 coops makes it possible to heat two of them and not heat two of them and let the chickens choose.
Best of luck with your new flock!

 

[aart]

Yes....Go big on coop, for those days they won't want to venture out.
Heating probably not needed, but good ventilation is essential.
You will want that power to keep water thawed tho...many ways to heat the water.
@wyoDreamer could give you some first hand(climatically) advice and has a great waterer.

There are 3 links in my signature to great reads for newbies planning their coops.
Let me know if you cannot see or access them.

Oh, and...Welcome to BYC! @GBaldwin
Here's how to add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, (laptop version shown), then it's always there!

 

[paintedChix]

and here is a coop set up from a Wyoming resident - Blooie. https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/motel-chix.67240/

She also responds to many coop questions, we'll see if she makes it in... I haven't been the most active myself lately, so don't know how often she still visits.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!