New Chicken Mama - In Need of Advice!

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DobieLover said:
Hello and welcome to BYC! :frow Glad you joined.

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.

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.

I do that all the time. Let's not forget that chickens eat live mice, snakes, worms, moths, bugs...poop.

Nope. They roost much longer during the shorter days of winter. I wouldn't mess with their natural circadian rhythm.
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This is amazing!!!!! Thank you so much for answering my questions point by point!! 😃 Thank God!! 🙏 Okay, that gives me an idea for a plan. I'm having someone come today to add wood chips and make sure it runs off. I'll back off on the light and give them cracked corn to keep warm too.

The one question I still have is about ventilation. What do you mean about having air flow from below? I'm trying to avoid drafts so I've kept most of my ventilation high up on 3 walls. The wall facing the roosts does not have any openings. Just the walls behind them and on either sides. I admit it doesn't feel adequate. But how do I add without making it drafty? I could run a fan during the day, which might help. I also thought about putting down some coop freshener. I also recently switched to straw bc I felt shavings were getting too messy to clean up. Maybe I just need more straw? What do you think?
 
Sally PB said:
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!
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Thank you - I appreciate the reassurance that I can ask any questions without fear of sounding "dumb". I admit this experience has been humbling as I've been stumped by some seemingly basic issues! 😅

I so appreciate that I've found a place of experienced and welcoming people to turn to. Thank you to all!! ❤️ 🙏
 
Sally PB said:
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!
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And thanks for the tip about adding my location - Oregon - just did that! 👍
 

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