Minnesota!

[sn0wwhite]

@BlackBrookPoultry , I'm planning to screw a 2x2 fir strip the length of the bottom and top to give it something to "sit" on along the wall, and then put these button screws in to secure it in place and yet be able to remove it then in the spring.

 

[Bogtown Chick]

Oh that's an excellent Idea, snOw! I really like that idea for mounting the heater! When we get some friendlier weather I should do something like that for my heater.

 

[NewToThisStuff]

We just bought land in Hugo, MN, and we're hoping to get into chickens! Any suggestions for best breeds? We'd like to do a combo of egg-layers and birds for meat production. Also clueless about shelters...we have 10 acres (flat. has previously been corn) with a pond. help?!

 

[Bogtown Chick]

We just bought land in Hugo, MN, and we're hoping to get into chickens! Any suggestions for best breeds? We'd like to do a combo of egg-layers and birds for meat production. Also clueless about shelters...we have 10 acres (flat. has previously been corn) with a pond. help?!

and the Minnesota! Thread. ...and your new favorite form of Social Media! LOL. There is a mountain of information on threads throughout here. Breedwise I know egg layers...I think healthwise for your chickens and since we're in the middle of it...look for cold hardy breeds...ie small combs that can't get frostbit. You can probably type in the search box "Dual Purpose eggs/meat" or whatever and find several threads. I think MinniechickMomma has some buckeyes that are good dual purpose and heritage quality too. Once you've decided on your breeds start looking at the coop pages on here and find your style of coop. Keep in mind 4 square feet per bird to avoid pecking issues in the coop and 10 sq. feet in their run if they won't be free ranging. Consider keeping a good natured Roo if you are deciding to free range. I would get the coop built and secured before even getting the chicks as they grow fast. Coop considerations to make your life easier--Good ventilation is a must, draft free, easy to clean. Consider poop management interventions...ie poop boards or sand to collect excrement while they are roosting. If you are a gardener your new source of fertilizer will have you smiling ear to ear with the results.

Start digging in. It's a bit to prepare for but you'll never regret getting into this fun adventure which is chickening.

 

[NewToThisStuff]

Yeah, we're definitely gardeners! Thanks for the reply!

 

[ejb3810]

I would suggest that you consider Chanteclers, as they were developed in Quebec with the qualities that you are looking for. There are other breeds that fit the bill also, and it is important to have birds that you are fond of the appearance of so would suggest that you keep that in mind.

 

[sn0wwhite]

Oh, no way!
http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2014/01/03/record-breaking-cold-temps-in-northern-minnesota/

The Governor just ordered ALL state public schools to be closed Monday due to the cold weather. I have never seen that before here.

 

[NewToThisStuff]

Yeah I work at a private college, and we're trying to figure out if we should call off class on Monday!

 

[Bettylou]

Put some Vaseline on their combs ,wattles and legs. It help insulate from the cold and helps prevent frostbite... My roo allows me to grease him up,lol.

 

[Bettylou]

I set up a nipple system this fall & they didn't get the hang of it before winter. I couldn't find a bucket heater to keep that going so I reverted back to my plastic poultry waterer that sits on top of a metal tin with a light bulb in it. Works surprisingly well. So far so good in the coop.

I've had one hen broody all this month. I wanted to let her just run the course, but I think I'm going to have to do something about it. She just won't give it up. One nice thing about a broody is if I can't take the eggs with right away, I stuff them under the broody & grab them later. I with you, Bogtown, I have a tendency to spoil my broodies.

Bought a bunch of meal worms at the bait store yesterday & sprinkled them around the coop. Happy chickens!

I set up a nipple system this fall & they didn't get the hang of it before winter. I couldn't find a bucket heater to keep that going so I reverted back to my plastic poultry waterer that sits on top of a metal tin with a light bulb in it. Works surprisingly well. So far so good in the coop.

I've had one hen broody all this month. I wanted to let her just run the course, but I think I'm going to have to do something about it. She just won't give it up. One nice thing about a broody is if I can't take the eggs with right away, I stuff them under the broody & grab them later. I with you, Bogtown, I have a tendency to spoil my broodies.

Bought a bunch of meal worms at the bait store yesterday & sprinkled them around the coop. Happy chickens!

put some Vaseline on those almost naked hens. I bought a chicken apron from Amazon and it's worked well . Took her a couple days to adjust to it .