Why does that name sound so familiar to me?Nice to see more activity on this north dakota form. Chickens need about 14 hours of light so adding light to your coop helps along with a good egg layer ration. Still, on the cold snaps my hen almost quit. Some people leave like a forty watt light on 24/7 to keep their hens laying all year round. Lot of good info in these fourms, just type a key word into search.
Dakota fur and feather club sponsors alternative livestock auctions ,spring through fall. Contact Ben or Janet Gerving at 701 843 7128
Bisman Online "other livestock" is one to check out.
A rosecomb variety such as a wyndott or dominique or many other rose comb chickens would be good to consider. In the straight comb varieties such as the rhode island red or the leghorn, the hen dont suffer much but if you are to keep straight comb roos, it is hard to keep them from getting frost bitten combs.
Do any of you know anyone with fertile eggs they would be willing to unload? The local headstart program is planning to hatch some eggs in March. I am donating a bunch and wondering if I will have enough since I only have 8 hens that are laying and the rooster isnt doing his job with all of them..... so I was going to search out some more.