Prepping for my backyard chickens

[Tom416]

I am currently looking for a good coop plan to house up to 6 hens for next spring. I live in northern Wisconsin, so definitely cold in the winter. I would prefer not to use a heat source since electricity will most likely not be available, and do understand the importance of ventilation without drafts. Maybe I'm being naive to think I can do this but I believe I can accomplish this with the right coop and breeds. I'd like to build and prepare the site this fall, so I'm ready for the birds next spring. Any info will be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

[Fuchsia]

Hello and welcome to BYC!!!

 

[pennyJo1960]

Welcome to Backyard Chickens best advice look under coops here on the home page ... Major pages deidcated to coops great read

 

[N F C]

Hello, have you looked at the coops other members have built? chicken-coops.12. You can get a ton of ideas from what others have done. I've been keeping my flock here in our Wyoming winters for over 3 years now without an electric heat source. The girls do fine with all their feathering and without drafts blowing on them.

Best wishes!

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC. Great link provided by @N F C. Here are some helpful links:

• Great go-to resource - Articles
  Space requirements
• How to start a new thread
• Find other BYC members nearby using the links in my signature, below (turn your phone to landscape to see them).

Best wishes

Pork Pie

 

[Sally PB]

Your'e doing two things right: Planning ahead and coming to this site! Anything you want to know here, search, post a question, read articles, and you will find an answer and good info.

When I started reading online about chickens, nearly every search lead me to BYC.

Good luck and welcome!

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

Welcome to our FUNomenal Flock!
Pull up a roost & enjoy your time here!

 

[TwoCrows]

Hello there and welcome to BYC!

Definitely follow the link to our Coop pages that @N F C has left for you. LOTS of wonderful coop ideas, small, medium, large and tractors. Good luck with your build and welcome aboard!

 

[sourland]

Set your goals, study the forums, plan/prepare, and you will be successful in establishing and maintaining your flock. Welcome to BYC.

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.
You won't need to heat the coop but you will want to heat your waterer. Otherwise you will be hauling lots of water throughout the winter.