New Chicken Mama - In Need of Advice!

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LeahChicken

Chirping
Dec 9, 2021
10
88
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Oregon
Hi all,

I just joined the group! I have 18 hens that I raised from chicks starting 7-8 months ago. They're a mix of white leghorns, black astralorps, barred rocks, and buff orpington. I've done a ton of online research and learned a lot by trial and error on my own. Now that winter has hit though I have a whole new batch of questions and frankly just miss asking people (not Google) for answers and advice! 😊 So that's what has prompted me to join this group. I'm looking forward to learning from you and hearing your perspectives.

So I have a large coop (10x15) and a screened in run of similar size. I also have a small outside space that I can make available to them but I don't want them to be out much in winter because of the constant rain we have in the Pacific NW winters. I don't want them to get sick bc I can't constantly clean the outdoor space and it will be muddy inevitably. I've covered up some of the run to shield from rain. But now I have some questions about what else to do:
- How much ventilation should I have without them being too cold?
- Is it okay to give scratch on the floor of the coop or run? Or will they get sick from eating from floor?
- I turned off the light I had going, but do I need to be concerned about them being bored inside?

I welcome your advice and help. Thank you for reading my post! 😊
 
Hello and welcome to BYC! :frow Glad you joined.
LeahChicken said:
but I don't want them to be out much in winter because of the constant rain we have in the Pacific NW winters. I don't want them to get sick bc I can't constantly clean the outdoor space and it will be muddy inevitably
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I would not prevent them from going out if they want. I would put down a 3-4" layer of wood chips and divert run off away from the run and let them decide to go out if they want.
LeahChicken said:
How much ventilation should I have without them being too cold?
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The suggested target is 1 sq ft of permanent ventilation per bird but it's really more a matter of adequate air flow. Have as much ventilation up high as you can manage with some air coming in low to drive circulation of fresh air.
LeahChicken said:
Is it okay to give scratch on the floor of the coop or run? Or will they get sick from eating from floor?
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I do that all the time. Let's not forget that chickens eat live mice, snakes, worms, moths, bugs...poop.
LeahChicken said:
- I turned off the light I had going, but do I need to be concerned about them being bored inside?
Click to expand...
Nope. They roost much longer during the shorter days of winter. I wouldn't mess with their natural circadian rhythm.
 
LeahChicken said:
just miss asking people (not Google) for answers and advice!
Click to expand...
You came to the right place! The pool of knowledge here is wide and deep. If you have any questions, even if they seem "dumb," go ahead and ask. We were all new to keeping chickens at one point.

One thing that would help people here to help you is to put your location in your profile. Just the state is close enough. Location makes a big difference in the advice you'll get. What's appropriate for me in Michigan doesn't work in Florida, for example.

And, welcome!
 
Welcome! folks are so helpful and experienced here. Don't think any question is dumb just ask away. Glad you covered some of run from rain. They don't mind being cold but DO mind being wet! Dobie gave good advice about ventilation. Let them out they will decide how much is enough. I'm amazed at how they tolerate the cold. They do where down jackets! I put down big wood chips in run to help when wet. Welcome again you have a nice mix of new breeds for starter.
 

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