Connecticut!

[BirdsinBethel]

OK anyone want to share thoughts on chicken tractors and cold Connecticut winters? There's a '2 story barn' design at this site http://www.buildingachickencoop.com/?hop=pkbears that I really like -it doesn't have the sloped sides many of the A-frame arks have which produce less-effective space at the corners of the triangles. Sorry I haven't figued out how to post graphics yet (not sure if I have enough posts to allow that). My concern though is I read that having a coup with open space beneath it may be tool cold (without the insulating benefits of being on the ground). Thoughts? I really like the tractor in theory - not just for grazing, but so I can move the coop closer to the house during winter weather - but I also don't want frozen birds!

 

[BirdsinBethel]

Oh and any thoughts about hardiness of bantams vs. full-sized breeds? I'm just going to have maybe 5 hens, as much for pets as for eggs. I like the idea of smaller birds-better fit in a small coop, easier for my kids to handle-but if they're significantly more fragile, more predator-prone, etc. then maybe it's not such a good idea!

 

[Beth G.]

Quote:
Hi,

I do not have a chicken tractor but many raised coops. Raised coops are fine in CT as long as you have a nice bedded floor and a roost pole made of wood that is wide enough for the chicken to roost and set the belly/undercarriage plumage on top of the feet/legs to keep them warm. If your chicken will be locked up every night and are in an enclosure while foraging there is no difference between bantie or LF. I have both and as long as you still with hardy banties and LF they will be fine. I have silkies and cochins for bantie and all winter hardy LF like Giant cochins, orps, araucanas etc.....

Good luck with planning

B

 

[Henrietta23]

Beth G. :

Quote:
What a Mtn Lion?????

Sure it wasn't a fischer cat?

We've been hearing reports of Mountain Lions in the area from other friends. Hampton, Chaplin areas. We've had bobcats out here too.​

 

[yook2000]

Any one know where I can buy bulk of peas in CT? I like to raise some organic meat bird, so would not use the commerical broiler feed. Thank you.

 

[Beth G.]

Quote:
What a Mtn Lion?????

Sure it wasn't a fischer cat?

We've been hearing reports of Mountain Lions in the area from other friends. Hampton, Chaplin areas. We've had bobcats out here too.

I knew about Bobcats in CT but not the Mtn Lions!!!!!!!! I'm glad they aren't over here and no offense I hope the stay on the Eastern side of CT! Those things scare the heck outta me and will attack a small child and people!!

 

[Beth G.]

Quote:
The Hartford Market is where all the local northeast farmers buy and sell bulk/wholesale produce and farm items. Maybe if you go to a farmstand and ask if they can get them? I think Wallingford is Close to Northford and there are a ton of farmers in Northford.

Good Luck

 

[Luke13:34]

BAAAAAAAH! Was driving home from work at 5am and saw that someone had put a small hutch/coop out for large-item trash pickup. I have been driving my Father-in-Law's sedan lately since my VW has been needing repair that I cant afford.

I COULDNT FIT IT IN THE TRUNK! If i had had my station wagon with me, it would be at my house right now. Gonna try to go back (in the wagon) after taking the girls to school to see if it is still there, but have my doubts.

 

[The Tinman]

What ever coop design you decide keep in mind how much space you need for each bird.A good rule is the coop should be 4 sq ft per bird and the run should be 10 sq ft per bird. Example= for 5 birds the coop could be 5'x4'=20 square feet.
Quote:

 

[Daphne16]

Luke13:34 :

BAAAAAAAH! Was driving home from work at 5am and saw that someone had put a small hutch/coop out for large-item trash pickup. I have been driving my Father-in-Law's sedan lately since my VW has been needing repair that I cant afford.

I COULDNT FIT IT IN THE TRUNK! If i had had my station wagon with me, it would be at my house right now. Gonna try to go back (in the wagon) after taking the girls to school to see if it is still there, but have my doubts.

I hope you were able to go get it.​