I love my chickens but not sure I did the right thing by getting them

[ChickInDelight]

So you plan to cover part of the run? Who wants to bet with me that the chickens will prefer the uncovered section?

 

[Terrik]

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I'm the same way!

 

[bandolierbabe]

I know what you mean about worrying about them. I do the same and I'm a first time chicken Mom. We had chickens as a kid and we didn't do anything special. They lived in the barn, free ranged all the time, no heat, they were fine. Mine are much more pampered.

I feel kinda guilty. I tried to teach the chickens how to swim as a kid and it didn't work out too well. My Mom scolded me and the chickens weren't too happy. Don't try that!

 

[wannalive]

beautiful birds... dont worry yourself to death... most important thing is keep drafts off of them. and plenty of ventilation.. those 2 things plus unfroze water and you and your birds will be just fine. you will see, you will do what most ppl do, and try to make your coop as warm and comfy as possible, and the chickens will prefer to be outside (away from all that time and money you spent to make them comfy)..

 

[gmachicken]

Hi Kimbymarie,
I am going on my third year and can relate. Every time I turn around I'm doing something to the yard to keep them safe. Some one on a recent post was going to get older hens to teach the younger. I really don't think that is a chicken thing. The more the merrier though!

One thing in looking at only a few posts is did anyone mention keeping your water from freezing? If that hasn't been discussed you need to think about that one. They don't drink as much in the winter but it is still a need and defrosting it is not a lot of fun. I recently bought an all in one waterer so it can be used in the winter as well. It is amazing how little heat it takes to keep 3 gallons thawed. The last couple of years I used an old heated bird feeder and just set the plastic waterer on it. Worked great for the most part.

You have a great looking set up and you and they will fare just fine this winter.

PS they love all but the heat here in So. OR We get a small amount of snow and it doesn't bother them any.

 

[kyeschicks]

They'll be fine trust me

do not get rid of them, you don't know how much you'll miss them. I had a chicken once that was not hardy and one day in winter she laid an egg! It surprised me because there was a blizzard going on and she laid an egg!

 

[kimbymarie]

Thanks again everyone for easing my mind and for all the great advise. I had someone say to me yesterday, Kim just have fun with it. That's the attitude I'm going to try to take just have fun and enjoy them. Will be happy though to get through a winter season with them. Then next year I should feel more at ease. Thank god for this site.

 

[aggie9296]

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Agree. Stop worrying so much. Enjoy your lovely ladies.

 

[smokinjay]

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Awww My Wife thinks like you! Thats why I am here to make your its not going to be a coop design issue over the winter. Pretty sure anyone how puts as much thought into it as you! Those are some VERY LUCKY CHICKENS!

 

[terrilhb]

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I have had my chickens for a year now. I still worry. I agree they are chickens. (My DH tells me that all the time

) I keep telling myself this. But I am responsible for them. I dearly love them. But we can only do what we can do. Noone is perfect. Hang in there you might still worry but it is worth it. They are beautiful chickens.