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Discussion in 'New Member Introductions' started by ScottS, Oct 25, 2011.

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  1. Oct 25, 2011 #1
    ScottS

    ScottS New Egg

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    Oct 15, 2011
    Hi,

    I have been checking out the board for a bit, thought it was time for the first post. Still doing lots of research. I want to start on a coop before the snow flies, though that might not be possible, since it typically comes and stays by next week.

    I am just west of Edmonton, Alberta. We have 4 acres, mostly grass/weeds with a bit of bush. I have been thinking of a winter coop which is well insulated and then a tractor for the summer. Or at least something so they can eat all the lovely insects, weeds (clover) and grass we have. Have not yet really decided on how many, but I am thinking 9 or so to start. Picked that from when the govt suggested 3 chickens per person during WWII.

    Though I am keen for dual purpose of meat and eggs, I suspect my son may have other thoughts and dual purpose will be pets and eggs. Have not really decided on a breed yet. I do know I would like a friendly, cold hardie (-40C possible average low in Jan -18C), good big egg layers, and good looking??

    Regards,
    Scott S
     
  3. Oct 25, 2011 #2
    dawg53

    dawg53 Humble

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    Jacksonville, Florida
    Welcome to BYC. Heavy breed birds might be best for you such as plymouth rocks.
     
  5. Oct 25, 2011 #3
    NovaAman

    NovaAman Overrun With Chickens

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    In Happy Chickenland, Holland MI
    My Coop
    There is another site, mypetchicken, that you can enter what you want your chickens for, and it will suggest breeds. I think byc does too...
    Welcome from michigan.

    I have faverolles, supposed to be winter hardy, and still lay well in the winter. Very nice birds. Also have Wyandottes, they are nice too.
     
  7. Oct 25, 2011 #4
    Uniontown Poultry

    Uniontown Poultry Chillin' With My Peeps

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    Southwestern Pennsylvania
    WELCOME ABOARD!!
    [​IMG]
    For cold-weather tolerance, might I suggest big ol' Brahmas (large body, tiny comb, feathered feet and very gentle good layers), or Chanteclers (the only Canadian breed, created to be a dual purpose bird with excellent cold tolerance). With cold winters, you'll be wanting to think about the comb size of your chickens, so they don't lose them to frostbite - Brahmas and Chanteclers have tiny little combs. Just my 2 cents.
     
  9. Oct 25, 2011 #5
    ScottS

    ScottS New Egg

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    Oct 15, 2011
    Thank you for the welcomes and the breed suggestions. Sooo, much to read on here. Still going through the cold weather threads and free range threads. Though I think I may look at a portable electric fence to keep out the foxes, coyotes, dogs, etc...

    I have not seen much on this yet, and perhaps this is not the spot to ask. Do they like to play in the snow or not? Curious if they would go out into the run even in the -20c sunny weather if there was no snow, or if there was.
     
  11. Oct 25, 2011 #6
    kidcody

    kidcody Overrun With Chickens

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    Autumn Farm English Orpingtons,
    [​IMG] [​IMG] from WA. glad you joined us [​IMG] [​IMG]
     
  13. Oct 25, 2011 #7
    jtbrown

    jtbrown Chillin' With My Peeps

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    Southeastern Ohio
    Welcome [​IMG]. Glad you are here [​IMG]
     
  15. Oct 26, 2011 #8
    greymane

    greymane Chillin' With My Peeps

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    Snyder County, PA
    [​IMG] from the Finger Lakes of New York! Very happy to have you with us!

    [​IMG]
     
  17. Oct 26, 2011 #9
    petejd

    petejd Chillin' With My Peeps

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    Bluffton, SC.
    [​IMG] from South Carolina..
     
  19. Oct 26, 2011 #10
    Roosterfry

    Roosterfry Chillin' With My Peeps

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    Ameraucanas do well in the cold, they have small pea combs and facial muffs. I have seen mine peck around and walk on the snow, not sure if I would say they "played in it" but you could get some scratch grain or chicken treats and that's when chickens go to town playing! Chickens are fun, a lot of people are looking into getting back into having them. Tip: research out your breeds and be careful where u get them!
     
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