New chicky momma

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Well, thanks everyone, for the warm welcome. I took possession of the chickens (and the acreage) on Friday. It has been very cold here in Iowa, and the girls didn't lay a single egg all weekend. They wouldn't even step out of the coop when I opened the door for a bit in the afternoons. I guess they're coop potatoes. The previous owners left one of the windows off the coop for ventilation, but I decided that was too much and covered the opening, leaving a couple inches open at the top. There also is no heat or light lamp, which I guess will affect laying. So I think I need to add a lamp. Very light covering of wood shavings on the floor. I think I will add some shavings or straw for deep litter. The previous owner was also mixing crushed oyster shells with the feed, but I am offering it separately. I also plan to put Vaseline on their combs as soon as I can get my son to help me hold the chickens.

How am I doing so far?
 
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You're doing great! It's normal to be concerned. If the previous owner kept them the same way last winter, they should be fine. I wouldn't modify their setup (as long as the window doesn't create a draft). Adding pine shaving is a great idea and offering oyster shell on the side is probably fine.
If they were especially attached to the former owner, they may spend a few days confused. That may or may not cause a decrease in egg production, but they may just be slowing down for the winter. Go ahead and leave the door open so they can come out if they choose.
My Katy Pecky followed my husband around for four days, 'asking' where I was when I went out of town. She did the same thing with me when we had to have our rooster euthanized. Yours may do the same.
 
Thanks. Yes, it crossed my mind that they are reacting to the changes in their lives. I just want them to be warm enough. It is cold!
 

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