No chickens yet, but working on it.

[ScottS]

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

 

[dawg53]

Welcome to BYC. Heavy breed birds might be best for you such as plymouth rocks.

 

[NovaAman]

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.

 

[Uniontown Poultry]

WELCOME ABOARD!!

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.

 

[ScottS]

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.

 

[kidcody]

from WA. glad you joined us

 

[jtbrown]

Welcome

. Glad you are here

 

[greymane]

from the Finger Lakes of New York! Very happy to have you with us!

 

[petejd]

from South Carolina..

 

[Roosterfry]

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!