Michigan

[Olive Hill]

I wasn't expecting it to be so nice today. It's rather warm, doesn't look it, but is. Wish we could have some more days like this.

We've seen a lot more hawks around here lately, too. They don't tend to mess with my birds too much though. (Knock on wood) Raccoons are our biggest problem out here, but we haven't had any trouble with them this year either. A couple years ago we had more than our fair share of issues though so I figure we're even now. That year we joked that we were raccoon farmers who fed only the best premium poultry.

1.Should I put particle board up on the ceiling to keep some more of the warm in?

You can, you don't have to. Warmth is not as important as just keeping it dry and free of hard, blustery drafts. Personally I would put the hard roof up in there more to keep the chicken dust out of the rest of the pole barn more than anything.

2.I know that this is a very large area for 37 birds. Will they stay warm?

Actually, it's not that big. You're only 11 hens short of the "max" recommended of 48 birds for a space that size. (4 indoor sq ft per bird) Of course, IMPO, walk in type "coops" can -- under certain circumstances -- support more than 1 bird per 4 sq ft, but that's the guideline.

3.What else should I do to keep it nice in there?

Just keep it clean and dry, they'll be very happy campers.​

 

[Water Pixie]

1.Should I put particle board up on the ceiling to keep some more of the warm in?

You can, you don't have to. Warmth is not as important as just keeping it dry and free of hard, blustery drafts. Personally I would put the hard roof up in there more to keep the chicken dust out of the rest of the pole barn more than anything.

Not to worried about the dust. The rest of the barn is were we stack our wood the we use to heat the house in the winter and some skrap lumber for this and that.

2.I know that this is a very large area for 37 birds. Will they stay warm?

Actually, it's not that big. You're only 11 hens short of the "max" recommended of 48 birds for a space that size. (4 indoor sq ft per bird) Of course, IMPO, walk in type "coops" can -- under certain circumstances -- support more than 1 bird per 4 sq ft, but that's the guideline.

It seems so big cause they are almost never in it during the day. Most of my birds are free range, and the rest of the 10 or so have a 24ft by 25ft run with fun places to hide and take naps.

Dawn​

 

[Water Pixie]

I have 6 to 8 hens that when I got them didn't have much feathers left it was so sad. They have gotten a lot more feathers but I can still see skin on some of there backs and wings. I am thing that I should make them coat/aprons with wing protecters to help keep these girls warm. Is this crazy?

Dawn

 

[Olive Hill]

Quote:
Yes, yes it is. But when has any BYC member claimed to be sane?

 

[Water Pixie]

*snicker*

8

Coats coming right up I'll just use my fabric skraps, or maybe I'll cut up a couple pairs of old jeans and an older blanket. Can't spend to much money on it cause if I do my honey will.

Dawn

 

[Olive Hill]

Quote:
I don't want this to be construed as encouragement of your craziness

but this was my chosen method of Mini-Schnauzer torture last winter and it was very inexpensive.... I still have a TON of fleece leftover from that particular project... just sayin'...

Oh, and YES, I do think mine is less crazy because it's a dog, not a chicken. So there.

 

[Water Pixie]

I have already visited that level of craziness my greyhound mix Nena has a doggy coat that I altered to fit her and my Mom knitted her a sweater. She LOVES them. I will have to post a pic of her in them this winter. Your Puppy doesn't look to unhappy it her cute doggy get up.

Dawn

 

[Hillbilly Hen]

Thanks y'all for the prayers and well wishes. It sure has worked so far.

Y'all are a great bunch of folks!

Olive Hill, That is too cute! I make jackets for my little dog too. He has very little hair and if it is below 70 he shivers. I also make aprons for the chickens.

I got 10 eggs today

 

[keyt1969]

Quote:
I don't want this to be construed as encouragement of your craziness

but this was my chosen method of Mini-Schnauzer torture last winter and it was very inexpensive.... I still have a TON of fleece leftover from that particular project... just sayin'...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2783/4081329459_141190c791.jpg

Oh, and YES, I do think mine is less crazy because it's a dog, not a chicken. So there.

LOVE that hat!! I am pretty well known for crazy hats, blankets or sweaters I crochet for animals or kids. My mom had a day care for 20-some years and 6 winters in a row I crocheted goofy hats for the kids. I also worked at their elementary school and all the teachers would say they could find the "Harrington Kids" by the funny hats on the playground lol. Unfortunately my dogs don't keep hats on and Aric won't let me make anything for his dog lol

 

[RIRJen]

Happy Halloween everyone!!!(ya, I know I'm early lol) Here's this year's pumpkin family