OK, Can't rebuild, what are my options (Realistic Please)

[123RedBeard]

EggWalrus is right about a lower vent that can be sealed off in the cold months ... most vents don't really "seal" ... looks like the OP is planning on using nice vinyl siding ... which would make it harder to just caulk a vent for winter.

 

[123RedBeard]

And a future (next spring) idea for the OP ... maybe make an additional "summer" door for the end, to be changeable with the "winter door" ... that is basically a screen door, but made out of hardware cloth, that will give you lots of fresh air in the summer, but a closed door for winter.

 

[Compost King]

And a future (next spring) idea for the OP ... maybe make an additional "summer" door for the end, to be changeable with the "winter door" ... that is basically a screen door, but made out of hardware cloth, that will give you lots of fresh air in the summer, but a closed door for winter.

I prefer hardware cloth doors. I only have a few cold days in winter and I cover them with cardboard, I also have very little wind on ground level so I can get away with it full time. its a good idea to have changeable doors like that provided wind is not an issue in summer, wind driven rain will get in

 

[Buckeye2002]

Small Chick could be a runt, or even a different breed/bantam ... hard to tell when they are not standing side by side ...

See my suggestion on this thread https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/chicken-runt-question.1278339/

Here's better pics:

 

[123RedBeard]

The bigger one has quite a bit more comb ... do all the rest have combs like that?

I'm not familiar with RIR's ... but that comb seems big for a less than 3 week old pullet ...

IIRC you got them from a farm supply store, maybe they got some mixed up ... maybe you got a different breed for the little one, or a whole bunch of cockrells

Maybe post your question and pictures in this thread https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/chicken-breed-focus-rhode-island-red.1021447/page-33

 

[EggWalrus]

The bigger one has quite a bit more comb ... do all the rest have combs like that?

I'm not familiar with RIR's ... but that comb seems big for a less than 3 week old pullet ...

IIRC you got them from a farm supply store, maybe they got some mixed up ... maybe you got a different breed for the little one, or a whole bunch of cockrells

Maybe post your question and pictures in this thread https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/chicken-breed-focus-rhode-island-red.1021447/page-33

That is one possibility. They could all be roos except the one little pullet. Earlier this year I bought a dozen and every one was a roo except for 3 pullets.

 

[Compost King]

This is getting to be one of the best threads to read. I get the feeling when Buckeye finishes his first year with chickens we will be going to him for advice. Great Craftsmanship and determined to fix things swiftly. It doesn't take long to figure out chickens once you get them in the coop. They train us well.

 

[Buckeye2002]

I paid extra from the hatchery to make sure they are all females, so I better not have any roosters. Thanks @Compost King for the compliment. We are cutting the holes for the nesting boxes and the access door in the morning. My plan is to have everything ready and put them in the coop at week 4. With 2 lamps, the one end of the coop should be warm enough. As many have said, they will seek the heat when they need it. I thought to put the water and feed just outside the heat area. Thoughts?

 

[Compost King]

Feed and water outside of the heated area but close enough that they don't freeze on the coldest night when accessing it. Thats what I would do however people more experienced in that type of situation may say different. I know in a small brooder I put the water and feed on the opposite side the heat but you have a big set up for a brooder and I like your idea. I think once you get the chickens in there you will start figuring this stuff out on the fly. I remember when I first got chickens I was sweating every little detail but once they started laying I pretty much had most of it figured out... and a little bit of learning here and there after that point but it all comes easy. The attention to detail you paid on your coop tells me you will be far better at this than I am.

 

[BigATC]

Hey Buckeye2002.... if you get a chance, post some pics of your changes. Before and After! Fun thread to read. My coop was "done" in Aug but has been tweaked numerous time since, not to mention the run. Hmmm, getting some more ideas... gotta go!