Hi! I helped raise a few chickens when I was a kid...now that I'm retired, I thought I'd try my hand at it once again. We live in central PA and have a couple acres. I'd like to do free range but lots of predators up here. I need some help on affordable insulation (mostly for summer heat but water freezes in winter) no electricity in the shed/coup. Looking at the foil wrap but confused as to if that will help keep heat out in winter. Just got my 1st 2 in August, Gold laced Orpingtons. Supposed to be pullets but think one may be a rooster now. I got 3 more, 1 German Bielefelder cockrel, 1 Gold Laced Orpingtion pullet and 1 Black Mottled Orpington...TBD....but they thought it was a pullet. The hatchery has since gone out of business so I can't trade with him any longer. I'm trying to find somewhere local to trade a cockrel or possibly 2 for a couple pullets. So if anyone knows a source near central PA message me!
Newbie needing help
- Thread starter Kimmeetee
- Start date
Hi! I helped raise a few chickens when I was a kid...now that I'm retired, I thought I'd try my hand at it once again. We live in central PA and have a couple acres. I'd like to do free range but lots of predators up here. I need some help on affordable insulation (mostly for summer heat but water freezes in winter) no electricity in the shed/coup. Looking at the foil wrap but confused as to if that will help keep heat out in winter. Just got my 1st 2 in August, Gold laced Orpingtons. Supposed to be pullets but think one may be a rooster now. I got 3 more, 1 German Bielefelder cockrel, 1 Gold Laced Orpingtion pullet and 1 Black Mottled Orpington...TBD....but they thought it was a pullet. The hatchery has since gone out of business so I can't trade with him any longer. I'm trying to find somewhere local to trade a cockrel or possibly 2 for a couple pullets. So if anyone knows a source near central PA message me!
Good morning. Welcome to BYC!
Hiya, and welcome to BYC!! 
You may want to ask in your Pennsylvania thread here as someone there may be able to help you find chicks/chickens.
As for managing coops in the winter, without electricity, we have it but those who don't make sure to keep coops draft-free, dry, vented high or away from chickens, bedding to insulate the floor, like pine chips, pine pellets, deep litter, etc. and a trick is to have two waterers so when you go to the coop you are bringing a fresh one and taking the frozen one back with you.
There are oodles threads and articles about winterizing your coop on here, just use the search function. Good luck!
You may want to ask in your Pennsylvania thread here as someone there may be able to help you find chicks/chickens.As for managing coops in the winter, without electricity, we have it but those who don't make sure to keep coops draft-free, dry, vented high or away from chickens, bedding to insulate the floor, like pine chips, pine pellets, deep litter, etc. and a trick is to have two waterers so when you go to the coop you are bringing a fresh one and taking the frozen one back with you.
There are oodles threads and articles about winterizing your coop on here, just use the search function. Good luck!
Hello and Welcome to BYC. Glad to have you with us in this poultry lovers community.
Hi there and welcome to BYC!
Sorry.. all of the birds in the first pic are sporting male specific pointy saddle feathers.. except the Bielefelder.. who's I can't see but his feather pattern/color confirms his gender.
Welcome to the coop. Remember, Roos need love too! 
Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.
I hate to state it but I know of no one that will trade a pullet for a cockerel. I suggest you join local FB Poultry groups and advertise there. You'll have better luck.
Glad you joined.I hate to state it but I know of no one that will trade a pullet for a cockerel. I suggest you join local FB Poultry groups and advertise there. You'll have better luck.
Hello, and welcome to BYC.
Sadly, I agree that all of the birds pictured appear to be cockerels.Hi there and welcome to BYC!
Sorry.. all of the birds in the first pic are sporting male specific pointy saddle feathers.. except the Bielefelder.. who's I can't see but his feather pattern/color confirms his gender.
Hello and welcome to BYC!
Pretty birds in your photos! ā¤ Thanks for joining!
Pretty birds in your photos! ā¤ Thanks for joining!
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