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Hey all, i'm new and looking to start first with building a coop.

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:welcomeI would like to welcome you to the flock! There are many sources to get ideas for coops. But I agree with earlier comments. Make the Coop larger than you think because chicken math gets us all. Few years ago I said 4 to 6 hens at most. Now here I am with 2 roosters, dozen hens, 8 pullets, and 6 in incubator. Now I just want to thank you for joining us. If you have any other questions or concerns please feel free to ask.:jumpy:bun
 
Trogdor said:
Hi all!

Looking forward to getting more information raising some hens. My wife and I have been interested for a while as our neighbour had chickens before moving away.

So being totally new to this, hoping to build an open style coop to accommodate max. 6 hens to start. We live in Ontario, and the winter can get cold.

Any suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks!
Click to expand...
I recommend that you insulate the walls well and build a strong floor. That should keep the inside warm enough. Your chickens will huddle for warmth on the roosting bars at night. During the winter, use the deep litter method. There are many articles about it on this site. This will create warmth in the coop, as well. Buy breeds that are cold hardy, such as Australorps, Wyandottes, and Rhode Island Reds. Best of luck!
 
cold flock.gif


Greetings Trogdor, Welcome to BYC! :frow
 
:welcome:celebrate

Glad you're here !

A must have for your poultry is a FIRST AID KIT for any issues that would arise. (https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/suggestions-for-a-first-aid-kit.1150128/)
It's definitely better to have it and not need it rather than need it and not have it.

Also, make sure your coop(s) have a proper amount of VENTILATION. (https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...-there-and-cut-more-holes-in-your-coop.47774/) Your chickens will absolutely thank you for it!

One last thing, if you're into gardening, feel free to join this years SEED SWAP (https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/seed-swap.1220129/)
 
Trogdor said:
Hi all!

Looking forward to getting more information raising some hens. My wife and I have been interested for a while as our neighbour had chickens before moving away.

So being totally new to this, hoping to build an open style coop to accommodate max. 6 hens to start. We live in Ontario, and the winter can get cold.

Any suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Welcome to Backyard Chickens most birds do well for cold tolerance what you need to watch for even more is ventilation without that birds can and will get frostbite
 
I would encourage you to see if sourcing Chantecler is possible or desireable. They are one of two truly Canadian breeds and listed as critically endangered by the Livestock Conservancy. Origin: Canada Status:Critical Purpose:Eggs, Meat Weight lbs: M8.5/F6.5 Eggs: Brown Large Good; 120-180 Notes: Docile, but some lines can be variable
Variable Novice Best in cold climates; not recommended for hot regions
Good winter layer; has almost no wattles and a tiny button comb; has well-fleshed breasts
 
Welcome! Kudos to you for planning your coop build before getting your birds. @aart is a wonderful treasure trove of knowledge. She will never steer you wrong! I second @ChickenCanoe 's recommendation for looking at the Woods open air coop design. B/C your coop will have ventilation year round, insulation will provide minimal value, though one poster recently did an interesting study comparing an insulated coop for both warm and cold season benefit. Many of us do not insulate. I am at 44.5 latitude. No insulation here. No heat either.

You will definitely benefit from having a GFCI outlet in your coop. This will allow you to provide a heated waterer and lighting in the winter, and even brood your chicks in the coop! Check out @Blooie 's 2 articles and thread covering Mother Heating Pad brooding. Many of us no longer use heat lamps to brood chicks.
 

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