We just "enable" others to enjoy chickens, because well, we enjoy them so why not help others get started. Just give them a few (make sure there's at least one sneaky broody in the bunch) and let nature take it's course.
I am 30 miles south of Kalamazoo.
She's doing great! Enjoying life and her grand kids. Yes, I miss her being on here. She's such a nice person.
This is all normal. New layers may take a few weeks to get the hang of the process. Not all hens start to lay at that magical "20 week" mark either. Just relax and enjoy.
My coop is insulated but it was built within an existing garage that already had it. If I were to build one from scratch I would insulate and use a smooth panel material for the inside walls. But it is not necessary to insulate. If you are worried, you can stack straw bales around the outside walls to help divert the wind. Orps are pretty winter hardy birds, I have had them for years and they get through winter just fine.
X2 -- What she said.Hi Robyn, welcome to BYC and the Michigan thread
My coop is insulated, as much for summer heat as for winter. I do think it delays eggs from freezing a little. If your coop is properly ventilated it will not likely raise the temp inside, though. If you can keep your water outside the coop that will reduce moisture, a big contributor to frostbite. Those breeds are all pretty cold-hardy and should not have problems with your area's winter temps.
When pullets first start laying it takes a little time in some for the egg-laying process to catch on. Most pullets revert to single yolk eggs pretty quickly.
Woo-hoo! Hello neighbors!
