Hey, Anyone from North Dakota? Even though I doubt it.

[Frosty]

Hey everyone! I have been reading all sorts of information on this site for months and finally joined in the fun! I have six chickens and an almost finished coop. I live in the tiny town McHenry, ND.
Wondering about the winters, would a heat lamp in the coop disrupt their roosting at night?

It probably won't disturb the roosting, but I won't use heat lamps. They are a HUGE fire hazard. If you are going to use one, make sure it's VERY secure, and remember that in the event of a power outtage, they may not be prepared to lose the heat.

 

[Loghousemom]

Frosty, do you use anything to keep your chickens warm in the winter?

My coop has a 10/20 section with a cement floor that we always heat for the dogs/cats through the winter but the chicken side is not nearly insulated well enough to be warm. (The side with the birds is probably 20/40 dirt floor, wood walls with no insulation anywhere. ). Last year I used a heater that I mounted, but this year we will be up to about 30 birds and I am thinking it won't be necessary with all their body heat. I am also hoping to put up separate breeding pens inside that exit to separate outside pens so I can separate specific breeds as I need or want. ).

I never did make it out to the auctions, but with being at about 50 chickens and a few ducks and geese, I think I am at my limit for now. We already have a crazy crew of roosters that need to be butchered soon.

 

[Frosty]

I don't use heat, most types of heaters are a fire hazard. Add to that the fact that if there is a power outtage, the birds wouldn't be as prepared for the cold temps. Some roosters lose the tips on their comb, other than that they do ok. If you decide to insulate, don't use the styrofoam insulation unless you have it completely covered. Chickens love to eat the stuff, and that doesn't mean they'll lay their eggs in cartons. We insulated ours and have a row of windows on the south side. It isn't warm, but probably warmer than outside and all openings being on the south side keeps the wind out.

 

[Tuhmu]

North Dakotan here. Glad to see some of us are on this site though you're all on the wrong side of the state!

 

[Loghousemom]

Frosty. Ya, why is that, That chickens love styrofoam? It sure would be awesome if they laid their eggs in cartons.

Hi LeviS! I am right about mid-state.

 

[loveoutdoor]

Hi ND's, were outside of Bismarck with 11 mixed layers.


When I tried the previous link regarding eggs in ND it didn't work, but was able to find the handbook below.

http://www.nd.gov/ndda/program-info/local-foods-initiative/farm-market-handbook

 

[Tuhmu]

Hello fellow N. Dakotans! Anyone else going to be going to the alternative livestock auction in new salem this weekend?

 

[Durans]

We are new members here and are in ND. We live in Bowbells. We have 12 hens and 1 rooster. Someone gave them to us we are new to chickens not sure exactly what kind. One is smaller than all of the rest. We are looking for more and are so happy spending time with them. our six year old son gets so excited about gathering eggs when he gets home from school. They have just been a joy.

P.S.
If anyone is looking to sell any hens around stanley or minot please let me know.

 

[Tuhmu]

So far away!

I think there's quite a few people up in the Minot area who have chickens they sell occasionally, I see a lot on bismanonline.com from that area. Hope it helps and welcome to BYC!

 

[Frosty]

Welcome to BYC!

I'm in the Minot area, but wont sell any of my girls just because I suspect I have Mareks disease in my flock. I do have a good friend in the Rugby area who might sell some of hers. If you are interested, let me know and I'll get a list of anything she would be willing to part with. Then maybe we could work out somewhere to meet?

I could also check with a friend in the Deering area who is also on BYC (in case she doesn't see your post) and see if they have any extras.