Hi Everyone,
I'm glad to find this Colorado topic! I'm in the Fort Collins area, actually just a stone's throw north of the city line. Right now there are 2 hens and 2 pullets in the tool shed converted to a coop. After a month-long hiatus (for the hens), everyone is laying now. Actually I think one of the pullets got the older ones back to business when she first began to lay.
I noticed that Dennarahl asked about insulation. This past fall I installed some radiant-barrier sheeting in the coop. It's the silver material with a little foam in the center layer. Prior to that, there was no insulation and there is still no heat. I don't think it is making much of a difference. Next time I'll use "real" insulation if I decide to replace it. Last winter the lowest temperature here was -22. So far this winter we've only had three mornings with below zero temperatures, the lowest being -10. I am amazed at the hardiness of the hens. I use the deep litter method, so that may help a bit. There have no problems with frostbite. They huddle together on the roost and all is fine.
Nancy from Fort Collins
I'm glad to find this Colorado topic! I'm in the Fort Collins area, actually just a stone's throw north of the city line. Right now there are 2 hens and 2 pullets in the tool shed converted to a coop. After a month-long hiatus (for the hens), everyone is laying now. Actually I think one of the pullets got the older ones back to business when she first began to lay.
I noticed that Dennarahl asked about insulation. This past fall I installed some radiant-barrier sheeting in the coop. It's the silver material with a little foam in the center layer. Prior to that, there was no insulation and there is still no heat. I don't think it is making much of a difference. Next time I'll use "real" insulation if I decide to replace it. Last winter the lowest temperature here was -22. So far this winter we've only had three mornings with below zero temperatures, the lowest being -10. I am amazed at the hardiness of the hens. I use the deep litter method, so that may help a bit. There have no problems with frostbite. They huddle together on the roost and all is fine.
Nancy from Fort Collins
If it was just the gals I might say hold them for me they've found a new home but I can't do anymore drakes darn it. But I've never seen one in person and I've always admired them.
