New Member in MT

[TwoCrows]

Thank you! I'm equally excited and nervous. We had them when I was a kid and remember them being fun and easy... till we ran through the grass barefoot and stepped in poo. Not fun.

The chickens will have you trained up in no time.

 

[swamphiker]

Yep, I read that tok and it makes perfect sense. Thanks for the confirmation, I will certainly do that. What about straw bales around the bottom of the elevated coop. Moving water inside? I'm thinking yes to insulate the coop, but no to adding heaters. Thoughts?

I've only kept chickens in Florida, so I'm probably not very helpful for cold-weather coop advice Other folks can definitely be more helpful; you can also search for existing threads and articles on these topics by using the search bar at the top.

 

[Nomadicus]

Hello and Welcome to BYC. Glad that you have joined this poultry loving community.

 

[sourland]

Hello, and welcome to the BYC community.

 

[triciayoung]

Hello! We are in the planning stages of a coop and run next to our garden plot. We have 4 acres next to the river, so lots of hawks and foxes. Planning more for a big run (120'x20') than free range due to predators. Our main purpose is for our toddler age grandkids, and quality entertainment...oh, and eggs. I'm most concerned with keeping our flock healthy by means of prevention. Diseases are my biggest concern. We'd like to start with 6 adult birds from a reputable source in the spring, then add a couple each year. I'd also like suggestions on breeds with priorities in this order - good with kids, cold tolerant, good layers, diversity in eggs, not broody. Looking forward to some great info!

Welcome. I don't free range either, but have a very big secure run. Of my flock that are cold hardy, I would suggest, barred rocks, speckled sussex, black australorps and delawares.

 

[triciayoung]

Yep, I read that tok and it makes perfect sense. Thanks for the confirmation, I will certainly do that. What about straw bales around the bottom of the elevated coop. Moving water inside? I'm thinking yes to insulate the coop, but no to adding heaters. Thoughts?

We, as members, are split about heat in our coops. Those against heat say chickens don't needs it - just good ventilation. Those for it, frankly fall into two buckets 1. they don't want to worry about their chickens being too cold and/or 2. they have disabled, sick or older birds that really do need heat. I think you need to read both sides and make a decision that is best for you and your flock. The most important thing is having safe heat. Heat lamps are dangerous. Flat panel heaters, oil filled radiator heaters, and sweeter heaters are safe.

 

[JAbraham]

We, as members, are split about heat in our coops. Those against heat say chickens don't needs it - just good ventilation. Those for it, frankly fall into two buckets 1. they don't want to worry about their chickens being too cold and/or 2. they have disabled, sick or older birds that really do need heat. I think you need to read both sides and make a decision that is best for you and your flock. The most important thing is having safe heat. Heat lamps are dangerous. Flat panel heaters, oil filled radiator heaters, and sweeter heaters are safe.

That's exactly the divide I'm seeing too! I totally agree that heat lamps are dangerous, and do like the flat panel heater idea. I think installing one just in case is a good idea. When it gets 40 below for a week (like it does in MT), we are prepared. I also want to get a camping tent, to move them in the garage if it gets really cold. Thank you!

 

[triciayoung]

That's exactly the divide I'm seeing too! I totally agree that heat lamps are dangerous, and do like the flat panel heater idea. I think installing one just in case is a good idea. When it gets 40 below for a week (like it does in MT), we are prepared. I also want to get a camping tent, to move them in the garage if it gets really cold. Thank you!

For the flat panel, you know they have to go near it to get warm? I use a radiator heater in one coop and a sweeter heater in the other.

 

[JAbraham]

For the flat panel, you know they have to go near it to get warm? I use a radiator heater in one coop and a sweeter heater in the other.

Oh! Guess I'll look into this more. I have a friend who's well researched and chose the panels. I'll definitely read further! I love this forum, thank you!

 

[The Coop Crew]

Welcome to the community!