Hello

[Blueposey]

I am very new to caring for chickens. I do not currently have chickens. Working on getting their living area cleared and built. I have 8 acres total. About 4 are woods and the other half clear for the yard.

I am a medic and work on the weekends, nightshift.

I have 2 french bulldogs and 3 outdoor cats. I live northern part of Alabama. We do have a few weeks off and on of harsh winter weather. I am mostly wondering how does winter time with chickens work? What type of precautions should I take when building the coop.

I am looking forward to learning and living with some chickens on my property.

 

[drumstick diva]

Chickens can handle cold much better than heat. Is your chicken area safe from the dogs and cats? For any weather you need a draft free - well ventilated coop. Please check out the coops section on BYC for examples.

Some folks like to tack a towel to the roost bar as chickens like to have their feet out and will lay their head on top of them to help keep them warm. Is anyone available to check on your birds now and then while you are a work?

Sometimes the water gets spilled out, etc. and they have to go without until someone notices. etc.

 

[drumstick diva]

BTW Welcome to Backyard Chickens, the pulse beat of the chicken community

 

[Blueposey]

The dogs are indoors but in the country we do have people that allow their pets free range. When I build the coop I will take this into account.

I do have a husband and kids that can go check on the chickens during the weekend. I think my daughter and husband want the chickens more than me but I am the one that enjoys the outdoors more. So I do not mind the idea of getting them.

 

[N F C]

Hi, it's nice to have you here with us!

About the coop...build it as strong as you can (use hardware cloth, not chicken wire, and lay down a hardware cloth skirt to prevent predators that dig). Build it as large as you can, a lot of people end up with more chickens than they originally plan for. You'll also want to include plenty of ventilation. Here's a link to the Coop/Run forum where you can ask for more detailed information:
Coop & Run - Design, Construction, & Maintenance

Chickens generally do well in cold temperatures, I wouldn't think you'd have much of a problem in Alabama. But you can ask other members that live in your state here:
Alabama

Best of luck to you!

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC.

Here are some links to useful resources:

• List of guides on how to use the site - “How to...” guides
• Great go-to resource - Learning Centre
• Good starting point for browsing the site - Articles
• Insightful feedback on how members manage their flocks - Topic of the Week back-catalogue
• Excellent sources of local information - U.S. States thread list

Best wishes

Pork Pie

 

[BullChick]

The chickens will be fine during the winter. As long as you give them everything they demand, you will be too! An angry chicken is a scary chicken.
Joking aside, buy hardware cloth for strength. Predators can reach into chicken wire, and chickens can poke their heads out. Raccoons can work simple locks, so consider that as well.
Sand (playground or river) is a great bedding. It’s like a big litter box they can dust bath in, and you can easily rake up the poo. A pitchfork with hardware cloth zip tied on makes a handy litter scoop.
Please feel free to share photos of your current animals, as well as the ones you will be getting soon!
Here are a few pictures I want to share with you!

Did you know cows come in mini?

 

[rjohns39]

Hi and welcome to BYC We're so happy you've decided to join us

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.
Good luck designing and building your coop. If you have roaming dogs in your area, consider electric fencing to deter them.

 

[Kiki]

Welcome to BYC.

We are glad you joined our flock!
Jump right in and make yourself at home.

This video will help you learn how to navigate this site:

Coop Ideas:
Chicken Coops.

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