New member from Canada...finally about to pass the planning phase :)

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC. Great links and advice have already been provided. Good luck in establishing and maintaining your flock.

 

[feathermaid]

Glad you decided to join us! Yes, ventilation is one of the most important factors to consider. Here's a good article to explain how it works:
Chicken Coop Ventilation - Go Out There And Cut More Holes In Your Coop!

You have chosen great cold hardy breeds to raise in your climate. And after 2 years of research you may already know about the next articles I'm going to refer you to... but they're my favorite and I still like to read them myself even after having chickens for a few years:
Kick The Heat Lamp: Better, Safer And Healthier Options To Heat Your Brooder
Start Raising Your Chicks Outdoors

If you are too concerned about predators and don't plan to free range, making sure your birds have enough space is very important:
How Much Room Do Chickens Need
Predator Proofing

I know it's a lot of work to start out, but I hope you find chicken ownership to be fun and rewarding as we all do. Best wishes with your future flock!

 

[ronott1]

Have fun with chickens up there!

 

[JedJackson]

Welcome to BYC! I think you've been very wise to wait to get the birds until you were well prepared for them. Spring is an excellent time and it will give the birds a chance to acclimate themselves before another brutal winter. We have lots of Canadian members, so you should find plenty of pertinent information here. I hope you enjoy the website and find it useful.

 

[007Sean]

Howdy and Welcome to Backyard Chickens.

Thanks for joining us!

 

[drumstick diva]

There is a very knowledgeable woman in Alberta, Tara Higgens, that has been breeding beautiful chickens, ducks, swans etc. . I believe her farm thread is called "J'est A Bird in Pair of Dice." She gets them through the very severe Alberta temps.

 

[fldiver97]

Welcome! Sounds like you did some research already. Lots of articles on coops and runs, predator proofing and winter with chickens on this site. Chose birds suited for cold winters, provide well ventilated but draft free and dry shelter, plan for easy access to coop (water, feed, clean) during winter. And enjoy the chickens once you have them

 

[rjohns39]

Hi and welcome to BYC We're so happy you've decided to join us

 

[PouleChick]

Bonjour and welcome from France! I can't imagine the weather and predators you have to deal with so totally understand making sure you do your research!

 

[Bound to Sea]

H

Hello, I'm a new member who has been doing a bunch of reading and planning to get chickens, for about two years :S I do not yet have chickens but spring is what I'm aiming for for new chicks. Part of my hesitance was the time factor, both working full-time and in grad school full-time, but things have eased a bit now...yippeeee! I live on a small acreage with some dogs, cats and sheep...but the cold weather here also made me concerned about doing things right, and I want to ensure I don't cause any unnecessary harm to my first birds. I've got my eyes on some orpingtons, wyandottes, and plymouth rocks for now. While I'm interested in what many people are doing to raise and care for their birds, I'm mainly interested in what people in Canada are doing, as we do get some extreme cold weather, and here in southern Alberta, we get some extreme variations of weather, that can change quickly. I'm also very interested in predator control, because we have lots of big and little ones to contend with. Can't wait to engage many of you in some interesting chicken convos!!! Thanks for letting me hop on board!

Hello neighbor! How have things gone so far for you? Did you get your chicks and how are they doing?