coop questions, day in the life of a chicken

[patandchickens]

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If you choose your breeds right, and keep them in DRY AIR (i.e. very well ventilated, but not drafty at chicken-level -- this is real difficult in a doghouse-sized structure; remember that historically chickens lived in *barns*), indeed they can be quite cold hardy.

Historically, some chickens did die of cold or frostbite, though, if weakened by other things or if not kept as optimally as possible, or just unlucky. Plus people nowadays are far more apt to try to keep breeds that are not really suited to their climates.

There is a wider diversity of ways people keep chickens now than there was 100 or 200 years ago, that's for sure.

Pat

 

[scooter147]

Google "hencam" there is lady in MA that has a web cam in her coop and run.
Her set up is great for 6 hens. Shows you just about every thing you need.
The camera in the coop rotates so if at first you just see the feeder wait and it will show you her roost and nest set up.

 

[OrangeCrushCJ7]

Excellent site... thanks!

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[OrangeCrushCJ7]

Are my breed choices of barred plymouth rock, buff orpingtons, and golden comets good cold hardy hens?

Quote:
If you choose your breeds right, and keep them in DRY AIR (i.e. very well ventilated, but not drafty at chicken-level -- this is real difficult in a doghouse-sized structure; remember that historically chickens lived in *barns*), indeed they can be quite cold hardy.

Historically, some chickens did die of cold or frostbite, though, if weakened by other things or if not kept as optimally as possible, or just unlucky. Plus people nowadays are far more apt to try to keep breeds that are not really suited to their climates.

There is a wider diversity of ways people keep chickens now than there was 100 or 200 years ago, that's for sure.

Pat

 

[Kait27]

funny, i'm getting some buff orp's from the farmers co-op too! I think they might know yours... how nice of my brother to get them for me for my birthday!

 

[Slywoody]

For you to have the best shot at designing & building the best coop for you and your chickens, you should look at every coop on this site and read and study all the info. Good Luck,,,,,

 

[whathaveidone]

Hi,

I'm also in central MA and just finished our 4x8 coop meant to house 8 hens. It's a little snug in there. I was surprised how much space the hanging feeder and waterer take up

. If I had to do it over again, I'd go 6x8 or 8x8, but its done now.

I'm actually thinking of making half of it a 2-level coop. We'll see how it goes.

Anyhow, I'd recommend the Storey's guide to raising chickens. It's a really handy reference.

Matt

 

[Debi214]

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If that isn't the truth - what I love the most is when you are sitting there watching one and thinking life doesn't get any better .............................and IT POOS and you say GROSS! What is wrong with me - get a life.