Rookie Chicken Chaser in SE Wisconsin

[threeacresfarm]

Hi Everyone,

My wife, son, and I are expecting 3 RIR's and 3 Ameraucauna's in mid-September. We are new to chickens and this site has helped us out a lot already. I am nearly finished constructing the coop and ready to get dirty. In the next five years we are planning on developing our "farm" into a small scale CSA and chickens will be a key component to our success. We are all about organic, non-GMO, sustainable and local food sources. I appreciate the support of this community and look forward to interacting with everyone. I do have a few questions if anyone can help.

1. Will I need supplemental heating or insulation in my coop (5'x4' chicken tractor with a 1/2" hardware cloth floor and plenty of ventilation) through the cold Wisconsin winter months?

2. If I do need to provide additional heat, will the light bulb stress out the chickens if it is on all night for warmth?

3. Is there a good, affordable local source for organic chicken feed near Milwaukee or north of Milwaukee?

Thanks in advance for any help!

-Three Acres Farm

 

[Kevin565]

. I live in a very warm climate so I don't have any suggestions. However, the light in the coop shouldn't cause a problem. It's often used to get chickens to lay in the winter

 

[Marthab1953]

Welcome From Southern California where it is mostly Hot most of the year.

 

[redsoxs]

Howdy from Kansas, threeacresfarm, and

! I agree with Kevin565 on the light issue. I'm not sure I understand your question about the warmth of your coop. I'm no expert but unless there is some kind of insulation underneath, a hardware cloth floor might get a little cold. I could be wrong about that, however if everything else is insulated. I live in Kansas whree it can get pretty nippy but usually not for very long. Good luck to you!

 

[weimarmama]

& from Alabama. Glad you joined us. I am no good with anything to do with cold weather, as we didn't really even have a winter this past year, but good luck. You might try posting on your state's thread in the Where am I? Where are you! section to ask about finding organic feed.

 

[Red Barn Farms]

Howdy threeacresfarm,

To try and help answer your questions:

1: My normal answer would be no. Chickens do better in cold weather than hot. The only problem I wonder about is having the hardware cloth floor. If you use bedding in the coop during the winter month I see no problems there. Maybe use pine shavings or straw. A good thick layer should be enough. Chickens will huddle close together in winter providing more heat. Supplemental heat can be provided by using a waterier heater. That should be enough as for as heat goes. You can cover the coop with a tarp to ward off strong winds. Additional heat is really not needed.

2:If you choose to use a light bulb as supplemental heat I would suggest the red bulbs. However I do not think it is necessary.

3: I'm in Kentucky so I am not aware of feed for your state. A google search in your area will more than likely turn up some results!

 

[4-H chicken mom]

Hi and from Ohio. So glad to have you aboard. When you say they have a hardware floor, is the coop elevated? Is so, their feet will get cold. You might want to put something over the hardware cloth and cover with a thick layer of shavings. Good luck.

 

[Dwkuska]

Welcome to BYC!!!

 

[sumi]

Hello and welcome to BYC

Glad you joined us!

 

[liz9910]

from California!