High elevation desert chickens

[brwnchknbrwncw]

Hey all,
New to the chicken world. I live about 7300 ft elevation in South Central Colorado. We have a very desert-y climate with lots of sand, sage brush and some cactus. Any information regarding chickens in this environment is appreciated. Im mostly curious on allowing the chickens to roam our property when I'm home.

Thanks!

 

[Debbie292d]

Hiya, and welcome to BYC!!

 

[Tookie]

Welcome to BYC! Good luck with your plans!

 

[Kenneth Zweerink]

Welcome to BackYard Chickens. And a Big Hello from Eastern Nebraska!

 

[chrissynemetz]

Welcome to BYC! It's nice to meet you!

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.

 

[Starrponies]

Welcome! I don't live as high as you but in a desert area with tons of sage around and no big trees. I never let them free range unattended because critters hide behind the bushes so easy and there is no high ground for the chickens to get away. So it's a running game and chickens are not that fast!

 

[N F C]

Hello, if you'd like to chat with other CO members, you can find them on your state thread: Colorado

 

[janiedoe]

Good morning, welcome to BYC!

 

[TwoCrows]

Hello and welcome to BYC!

I am at 7,000 ft in central New Mexico. The only thing that makes high attitude chicken keeping any different than low land chicken keeping is the temperature fluctuations. 40 degrees from day to night is the norm, even 50 degrees is not out of the question. Your birds will adapt and get used to the wide swings. Definitely get chicks or birds raised at high attitudes.

Welcome to our community!