Hi, I'm Pia!

Hello:frow
Welcome to BYC!!
So glad to have you here!!
Thanks for sharing your story!!
You have come to the right place.
There are many people on here that are ready to help in anyway they can!
The learning center also has alot of great information on it as well!
Enjoy!:wee
 
G’Day from down under Pia :frow Welcome!

I too hope you enjoy being a BYC member. There are lots of friendly and very helpful folks here so not only is it overflowing with useful information it is also a great place to make friends and have some fun.

If you would like to share pictures and stories of your flock, you have come to the right place. BYC’ers never tire of these and do not back away slowly or commence eye rolling when the photo album or home videos come out ;)

Best wishes for the New Year!
 
Thank you so much! That's incredibly helpful and will make my search so much easier.

It definitely gets to below -10c here so insulation is something I need and hadn't considered. I've already been thinking of installing a solar panel and rigging up the coop with electric for lights and possibly heating. Kinda' corny given my profession but I want my girls happy and healthy. :)
Insulation values within a coop are not what contribute to frostbite, its the amount of relative moisture in the air from fecal matter, waterers and exhaling. Add improper ventilation or not enough of it, the moisture stays along with harmful toxins in the breathable air when they are locked up. Want to aim for around %20 or less humidity. If you do not have the ability to insulate fully, the roof and floor are your key elements with wind proof walls. Floor to keep the cold air at bay and the roof to keep the hot sun out during warmer months. So much conflicting information around here..there is no set height for roosting bars. keep in mind the higher they are, the more likely your chickens could suffer a foot injury or sprain. In colder climates it would be wise to have it off the coop floor, but there is no golden rule. 2 X 4 flat side up so they are able to cover their toes with feathers while roosting. The idea of nesting boxes per number of birds is a rather archaic belief. You'll start to see your birds will start using one box, maybe two and the rest will just take up space. I recommend people try out one big nest box instead. Big enough for them to go in there at the same time with no discomfort. Much easier to clean as well. The lighting is really optional, if you do not have a winterized run and they stay in the coop most of the season you may consider adding a light during normal times. Keep in mind this low level light season is when they recharge their little systems for the warmer months. Chickens are remarkable little creations. They can withstand a lot of increment weather situations, they may not like it but they will get through it. Good luck with everyone!
 

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