Newbie from Duluth

[robotchicks]

My name is Britt and my family just got chickens 2 weeks ago, with lots of thought and debate but very little research! We have 4 chicks in the basement - don't ask me what kind they are, though. We took the kids to the feed store and told them to pick out the cutest ones. They did and so far, so good. We have a small backyard coop mostly built but were told to wait 4-6 weeks to put the chicks outside. They are rapidly outgrowing their container, however, and we are hoping for continued good weather so that we might put them out early. We live in Northern Minnesota, 10 blocks from Lake Superior and are a bit concerned about the winter but that is a ways off yet. I am hoping to hear from those of you out there that have successfully raised laying chickens in this climate. What works best and what we should avoid doing! Any help is appreciated! Looking forward to learning as we go.

 

[One Acre Wonder Farm]

from Vermont!

We have cold(ish) winters here too! The most important thing is to make sure your coop is free ofdrafts at chicken level with plenty of ventilation up high. If you can insulate the coop, great; if not then make sure thereare no drafts, that they have plenty of free choice feed, fresh water and you may want to consider the deep litter method for floor cover. The search tool inthe blue bar up top will be your best friend

. Do lots of reading; I'm sure your chicks will be just fine!

Nice to have you here

 

[HorseFeathers]

from Maine!
For the winter problem: our coop is insulated, and the hens' body heat keeps it toasty. If it gets below zero we break out the heat lamp.

 

[4-H chicken mom]

and

from Ohio.

 

[b.hromada]

Hi Britt!

from S. Florida! Its great to have you here with us!

You've come to the right place for all you questions!

 

[michickenwrangler]

Yea! Someone colder than us!!

I would pm patandchickens. She is the resident expert here on winterizing chickens and coops.

 

[Soaring Chicks]

from WV

 

[Sunny Side Up]

and waves of sunshine from western West Palm Beach, Florida!

My mom was born & raised in Ely, Minnesota, up in your neighborhood there. I'm probably still related to about half that town by blood or by marriage.

You'll have lots of fun raising these new feathered friends of yours, and it's easy to learn how to do everything for them. I wish you all the greatest of success!

 

[Mrs. Fluffy Puffy]

and a Texas size: