Newbi questions

[hillyardfarmer]

So I had chicks when I was a kid livingin the country. Now, a city dweller, made a simple tractor. I just want two chickens and built a 4 x 8 tractor with a 4 x 1.5 coop.
Do I need a roost in the coop? There is one in the tractor part.
Do I need a place for them to take dust baths?
The tractor will be in my yard, with sprinklers, how water tight does the coop need to be? I have a sprinkler system....
I don't really want to deal with them in the winter so I thought I would butcher in the early fall. Seems as though it is not acceptable to butcher laying hens? Thanks in advance.

 

[yyz0yyz0]

So I had chicks when I was a kid livingin the country. Now, a city dweller, made a simple tractor. I just want two chickens and built a 4 x 8 tractor with a 4 x 1.5 coop.
Do I need a roost in the coop? There is one in the tractor part.
Do I need a place for them to take dust baths?
The tractor will be in my yard, with sprinklers, how water tight does the coop need to be? I have a sprinkler system....
I don't really want to deal with them in the winter so I thought I would butcher in the early fall. Seems as though it is not acceptable to butcher laying hens? Thanks in advance.

Do you need a roost in the coop? Seems kind of small for you so I think a roost would get in your way. Do the hens need a roost, NO. Will they be happier with a roost, YES.

If it gets wet in the coop you'll have odor problems.

Butchering laying hens is a personal choice. You might be able to sell them for more than their value as meat since someone else might be interested in hens that are already laying.

Except for freezing water, what part of the winter care don't you want to do?

 

[Megaputz]

Think happy chickens. Dust baths and roosts make happy/sane. A tree branch. Throw a kitty litter box of loamy soil in there once in a while or cart them over to a sunny patch of dirt. Grab a chair, sit back and watch the show.

Culling laying hens: Keep the best, eat/sell/gift the rest. All depends on how many birds you want to care for or room available.

My hens go into heavy molt around christmas. I put a 150w IR light 1' above water bucket (4 quart ice cream container). On the colder days they will huddle around for warmth. It keeps water from freezing too.
Coop doesn't have to be air tight just safe from cold drafts near where they roost. Lots of posts about wintering chickens. Air circulation prevents humidity which can cause frostbite.
My rafters are open. for ventilation especially during the summer 6'x6' coop. Door is normally open during day. During colder months I put straw in the 2"x15" holes.

Google search any questions followed by backyardchickens.com and you will find a litany of answers