Colorado

[coloradogal]

Chester: I don't insulate my coop and didn't when I had freestanding ones. At one time, I had two coops for my initial 11 chickens. 1 was insulated and 4X4 and the other was uninsulated and 4X5. I kept 6 in the uninsulated one but at night, wrapped and old heavy duty curtain around to keep the wind/snow out. The only time I had any concerns was when it went below zero or the blizzard that year. Then I put all of them in the insulated coop and was up before the sun to open the coop as I had roosters. Other than some frostbite on their combs, they were fine all winter long. I sadly lost none to the cold but a couple to the heat.

My baby brother heats his coop now. It drives me insane actually but he has the safety heat lamp. I keep telling him there is no need but in his mind, because his coop isn't as airtight as he'd like (old 12X12 out building), it's easier to add heat than take care of his perceived inadequacies. The building is fine as it is but his chickens/turkeys are loved so I'm ok with erring on the side of caution.

The other brother just gives his chickens stall space in the barn with an old early 1920 stove as a nest box. It's actually an adorable set up. My grandfather did too... hmmm, that's actually kind of weird when I think about it. Was doing that (giving chickens stall space) more common that I envision?

Anyways, I'm rambling but you all have been around me for so long you know I tend to do that. I keep telling people, just make sure you have 6 as they will generate between 10 and 15 watts per chicken in heat. Heat is actually more deadly than cold.

 

[Chesterchook]

Yeah I've figured the main thing is that they're dry and out of the wind. We had them without any lights at all, but put two back in when we started having some sick birds. Doesn't seem to have made a difference though, still have some runny noses/beaks and coughing but the affected ones still seem active and otherwise healthy.
Most of our lazy chickens haven't wanted to go out lately, just sit huddled together inside our 10x12 converted shed. There's a little core group of them that usually heads out for most of the day every day though, I try to put out some extra good scraps to reward their adventurousness. I think if the shed was situated in the sunlight better they might be more likely to come out, but it's on the north side of the house.

Fermenting some feed today for the first time, how do you tell when it's ready?

 

[maggiemo]

Fermenting some feed today for the first time, how do you tell when it's ready?

When it is bubbling. If you can't see it you can hear it. Mine also smells sweet when it is fermenting.

 

[wickedlees]

OH YAY! All three girls laid an egg today! I think there was no perm damage, just stress! Thankfully! Thought I'd share.

 

[Adam7]

Hey all, new to the site just wanted to drop in and say hi I am just south of Co Springs in widefield. I am in the process of building my coop right now. I have the elevated base framed as well as the walls, just trying to scrap enough 2x6 together for the roof and I will just about be done. Can someone point me in the right direction for the "basics"? I would very much like to be prepared and know how to actually start this process. Where/when to get my chicks/how old should i get them/what to feed them/how to raise them/ etc! I have a feeling that since we are in the middle of winter I should wait? Or can i start now? I figured asking the natives would be more productive then asking everyone in general. Any input is appreciated

 

[wsmith]

Hey all, new to the site just wanted to drop in and say hi I am just south of Co Springs in widefield. I am in the process of building my coop right now. I have the elevated base framed as well as the walls, just trying to scrap enough 2x6 together for the roof and I will just about be done. Can someone point me in the right direction for the "basics"? I would very much like to be prepared and know how to actually start this process. Where/when to get my chicks/how old should i get them/what to feed them/how to raise them/ etc! I have a feeling that since we are in the middle of winter I should wait? Or can i start now? I figured asking the natives would be more productive then asking everyone in general. Any input is appreciated

Welcome to BYC and the Colorado thread!

First we need to know what your chicken goals are. Eggs only? pets? Breeding? How many can you have in Widefield? I would wait until spring and get either day olds or juveniles. That would give you time to get everything together.

 

[gardendufus]

Adam How large is your coop, how many birds are you getting? Why do you want them? Pets? Eggs? Meat? Both? All 3?

Once the essentials of the coop are done/decided on, I would suggest researching what breeds you want to raise. There are several sites with breed selectors, this is just one. http://www.mypetchicken.com/chicken-breeds/which-breed-is-right-for-me.aspx Do a google on 'chicken breed selector and you will find several. Once the site comes up with some examples, you can drill down to read about each individual breed. Also, once you narrow the list, ask here if anyone has what you're interested in and what their experiences with them are. You will get a variety of responses. Also, under the breeds forum, you will find a thread about just about any breed you're considering and should use that thread as another information source, knowing that if people are participating in that thread, it's probably because they are a fan of that bird.

There are several people that are bringing in chicks now. I prefer to bring them in in March. I also brood mine outside in the coop (not into birds in my house and I have no garage). Be sure you read up on what is necessary for raising young chicks. Again tho, you are going to find a wide variety of opinions. I myself take kind of a less is more approach.

Well, deciding on breeds will occupy your time for awhile, come back if you have specific questions.

 

[Adam7]

Hey thanks for the fast replies. Technically I'm in El Paso County and I am only allowed to have two hens and no roosters. Since i hear roosters all over my neighborhood, and my neighbor a few blocks down is selling eggs and has over 20... I don't think too many people are following the rules. This is good for me I plan on raising 2-8.. I know a vague number. I am unsure if I should go all out and get 8 or see how I can handle 2 at first. I want them for eggs. Being friendly and fun would be a nice bonus. My coop is big enough I think, it is 4'x7' with external egg boxes, 3 of them. I have been reading on species and think I have narrowed it down a bit. My requirements for my hens are as follows: They lay a medium-large egg, they lay frequently, the color of their egg MUST be any color other then white, they are cold hardy as I don't want to supply power to the coop, lastly I would like it if they were relatively friendly with each other(i hear RIR can be mean to other species). My list of the birds I am thinking about are as follows: Cream Legbar(I know... expensive.. but their egg color is the COOLEST!) Black Australorp, Easter Eggers(or the real deal with Ameraucanas.. not sure if it matters..) or Black Copper Maran(really like their egg color as well). Ideally I think a mix of all of thee above would have a really awesome egg basket Any one here have experience with these birds? Am I missing an obvious choice? Does any one know where I could locate these species here in Colorado? Thanks again!

 

[wsmith]

Hey thanks for the fast replies. Technically I'm in El Paso County and I am only allowed to have two hens and no roosters. Since i hear roosters all over my neighborhood, and my neighbor a few blocks down is selling eggs and has over 20... I don't think too many people are following the rules. This is good for me I plan on raising 2-8.. I know a vague number. I am unsure if I should go all out and get 8 or see how I can handle 2 at first. I want them for eggs. Being friendly and fun would be a nice bonus. My coop is big enough I think, it is 4'x7' with external egg boxes, 3 of them. I have been reading on species and think I have narrowed it down a bit. My requirements for my hens are as follows: They lay a medium-large egg, they lay frequently, the color of their egg MUST be any color other then white, they are cold hardy as I don't want to supply power to the coop, lastly I would like it if they were relatively friendly with each other(i hear RIR can be mean to other species). My list of the birds I am thinking about are as follows: Cream Legbar(I know... expensive.. but their egg color is the COOLEST!) Black Australorp, Easter Eggers(or the real deal with Ameraucanas.. not sure if it matters..) or Black Copper Maran(really like their egg color as well). Ideally I think a mix of all of thee above would have a really awesome egg basket Any one here have experience with these birds? Am I missing an obvious choice? Does any one know where I could locate these species here in Colorado? Thanks again!

Is the 2 hens rule a Widefield rule? I know that I am in rural El Paso county, RR5, and there are no restrictions. 4X7 i think is a little small for 8 hens. Of course, MY obvious choice would be Dominiques, but I am partial to Dominiques...

 

[Adam7]

Is the 2 hens rule a Widefield rule? I know that I am in rural El Paso county, RR5, and there are no restrictions. 4X7 i think is a little small for 8 hens. Of course, MY obvious choice would be Dominiques, but I am partial to Dominiques...

Ill look into that breed, and no its not a Widefield rule. There are no restrictions in El Paso County If you are zoned RR5 and above. However I am zoned RS-5000 and the 2 hen rule applies to me. I have done some digging and it appears most people ignore this rule. Though if a neighbor complains they can make you get rid of them and fine you. I am not too worried as alot of people in this neighborhood seem to have chickens.