Dirty Dozen

[sweilacher]

Hello, I got our first 12 chickens (1 rooster) ever this past summer because my kids kept pushing me for the chicks at TSC. Not surprisingly, I have done about 95% of the work, but I actually do enjoy having the chickens around. I like to build so making the coop using bits and pieces of other designs has been fun.

We live in “Upper” Upstate NY, near Canada. We have had multiple days in the negative temperatures already, but that doesn’t seem to be slowing down the egg production, even without any heat source. My 11 hens started laying in October, and for the last month or so, we average 9 eggs a day.

Molting vs. mites? Maybe 4 of my hens have some noticeable feather loss. I don’t see red, irritated skin, but I would like the opinion is someone who has more experience. I will try for some more pictures if needed.

Thank you for any help you might offer.

 

[Snowbelt]

Welcome to BYC from another upstate New Yorker!

 

[Jenbirdee]

 

[Debbie292d]

Hiya, and welcome to BYC!

Wow, what a beautiful coop you've built!

I think that looks like molting as you can see some new feathers coming. If you don't want to chance it, permetherin/garden powder works well to eradicate mites.

We're glad you're here!

 

[muddy75]

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.

 

[pennyJo1960]

Welcome to Backyard Chickens. This is a great place to explore and hang out.

 

[fldiver97]

Lovely flock and ‘cackleberries’
When I lived in Wisconsin I never heated the coop or used supplemental light (well, maybe for a half hour to do pm chores) and my younger hens/pullets laid okay during winter. As the got older the molt and winter break took longer. Having been struck with chicken math I added 3 or 4 chicks every couple of years. Most winters I do get some eggs but at one time had 24 chickens ….. oops

 

[janiedoe]

Welcome to BYC! Those eggs are very pretty.

 

[chrissynemetz]

Hi, and welcome to BYC! We're happy to have you with us!