Maine

[malcom]

Ok so I see that the roost and the nest arieras are not the same.for nesting how much space is needed plan is to have 70 to 80 birds dual pourpose. I like chicken and eggs and I have lots of family so nothing will go to waste.

 

[lazy gardener]

Rule of thumb is 1 nest box for every 4 birds. 4 s.f. in the coop per bird, 10 s.f. in the run per bird.

 

[malcom]

Ok and to insulate or not to?

 

[MEMama3]

Ok and to insulate or not to?

I've had both and there is no marked difference.

 

[Jazor]

Ok and to insulate or not to?

That's a million-dollar (and million-answer) question. If you scroll back in this thread just a few pages (less than 20, I'd estimate) you'll see we bring this subject up. It's been a bitter winter, and many folks are in favor of insulation or even adding heat to their coops. There are people who feel strongly in both directions, so it's really about what is practical. Having the number of birds you're talking about, I would imagine you'd want more freedom as far as segregation and/or organization.

That many birds will produce plenty of heat. I wouldn't bother insulating--but I would focus more on ventilation, as that many birds will produce significant moisture (can lead to frostbite) and a large amount of waste. I don't have any specific threads to cite here, but I think maybe there are sections of this forum with information for raising meaties as well as layers in high quantities as you've described.

 

[IZZYBELLA]

Ok so I see that the roost and the nest arieras are not the same.for nesting how much space is needed plan is to have 70 to 80 birds dual pourpose. I like chicken and eggs and I have lots of family so nothing will go to waste.

Welcome, Malcom. I'm new, but my 2 cents is do not use ladders for roosting! (I know you didn't mention that, but just in case you're contemplating it.) My coop came with my house and the roosts are ladders... yes, they save space, but the poor birds on the bottom get pooped on all night. I am revising the roosting set-up this summer.

Like Lazy Gardener said, the rule is 1 nesting box per every 4 birds, but don't be surprised if they all want to use the same one and the others sit empty!

Given this horrendous winter, I would have liked to have had insulation. If it's in your budget, I'd probably do it. Just make sure that you make enough ventilation so that the insulation isn't exacerbating moisture retention. Of course, I only have 7 birds... 70-80 birds would generate much more heat!

Again, I'm new at this, so take my comments with a grain of salt!

 

[IZZYBELLA]

I see this from mine time to time--but then again I feed them lots of left over veggies. They all tend to seem ok, even when they are dropping greenish presents for me to avoids stepping in. Honestly, it never crossed my mind that something may be wrong with them for it. Just figured it was green in, green out!

In summer/fall when they can forage I definitely somethings see green from the grass and veggies, too. They haven't had any greenery lately, though, which is what made me wonder. Plus, it's just the one who is doing it. Afraid she's going downhill... she's all puffed up and sleeping standing up now instead of scratching around like the others.

 

[ashandvine]

"What!? MORE snow, you say? Bring it on!"


This is my favorite RO pullet. FYI they are touted as good in the snow so this was my only joke for the day about yet more snow coming our way. At least it means the temps will rise some in order to snow or rain. I am glad of that.

I am actually finally thinking about seeds and incubating.

 

[ashandvine]

Okay... so despite my 'joke' I really am ready for Spring, or would be with about 72 hours notice. I took this next pic to appease my spring longing. Hope it pleases others as well.

I don't have a brown layer or white. Will have to remedy that of course. The goose eggs will be white so I guess that counts... oh and the bantam Polish will be too I guess. So, I should say I don't have a white layer right now. That still leaves me lacking a regular brown layer. Hm. Is that chicken Math calling?

Bucka, see the difference between bronze green and speckled olive? The other spotted eggs pictured aren't coming in anymore. That was an early pullet egg from the Marans I saved. I am getting the other two browns all the time instead. Wish they would lay one shade darker but overall its nice to see all those colors.

 

[lazy gardener]

Nice bouquet Ash. I have a little volunteer pepper seed sprouted in my Rosemary pot. does that count for anything??? As soon as it sheds it's seed coat, I'm going to transplant it. Call me a fool, I saved a bunch of seeds from the multi-color packs of peppers, I know they're almost surely hybrids, but I couldn't resist. I wonder what it'll grow up to be????