Hi. I'm new with a few questions:]

[cococrisp]

Hi
I just moved to a new house and there is a chicken coop. It's like huge and I can walk inside it quite comfortably. So, we're moving in in December and I'm thinking of getting some chickens. The coop has a huge outside pen with fencing on the roof and fencing 12" down. I have a couple questions before I get them...
I want to get them to lay eggs but I'm wondering what "going broody" means. I've researched a little and I found out that chickens like lay a clutch and then go broody but does that mean that they stop laying eggs?
Also,if I live in Virginia will they freeze in the winter? I'm new to chickens and I'm still trying to figure this whole thing out.

 

[farrier!]

All of us not riased on or near a farm started out the same as you.

When a hen goes broody they do stop laying. That is one reason a lot of breeds have been developed that do not get broody.

Chickens are fun!!!

How well they do in the winter will depend on how warm your coop is. More birds give off more heat or a heat lamp or light bulb helps.
Like most critters chickens like unfrozen water in the winter.

 

[ChickensInTheNorthWoods]

First of all...

Going broody means that they want to hatch their eggs - chickens will stop laying once a year when they molt (replace their feathers) I live on the CT/MA line where we get plenty of snow and most of the winter is well below freezing temperatures and my chickens do quite well. You should be able to find the answers to all your questions here. Welcome to the addiction of owning chickens!

 

[missfitch]

 

[hen-thusiast]

from UT! Glad you joined us!

 

[Imp]

from washington

Imp

 

[ibpboo]

going broody means they are setting on the eggs, not laying anymore after they lay the batch to sit on. They stay there until they hatch. They will only hatch, ofcourse, if the eggs are fertile.
A broody hen will not get up very often to eat or drink during this time of broodiness.

If the eggs never hatch, they will eventually give up. It takes 21 days for an egg to hatch, from the day the hen starts brooding on them.

A broody hen without fertile eggs, will set for a long time. But they do get up and eat, rarely.

 

[M To The Maxx]

 

[b.hromada]

and

from S. Florida! Glad you joined us!

 

[English Chick]

good luck with your coop, you will so enjoy having chickens.... thus your addiction starts!