What a blast!

[Pickle1960]

This is my very first flock and my first two chickens were a Buff Orpington and a Rhode Island Red. I am in Wyoming so cold tolerant breeds are important. I wanted a mixed flock. Next I added a golden comet and finally Dominic. Then, the first (and likely not the last) unexpected chicken an adopted, homeless girl and I’m not sure what breed she is.
They are close to laying age but now cold weather approaches. I am not decided about lights in the coop to try to get winter eggs.
I love watching their interactions with each other , me , and the three dogs we have. The largest is a 125# Labrador. Their different personalities are neat too. I have had Indoor birds but this is my first experience with poultry. It’s very different.
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I found this site through a neighbor. It is the best. I planned my coop around one that I found on the site. I am looking forward to learning lots more.
After 35 years of a hard “no” fro the spouse it is a delight to show him that all coops and runs are not the nasty things his dad had. He loves the girls too
Pickle.

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.
Your pullets will lay through their first winter without supplemental lighting.
I prefer not to supplement light as the hens moult and take a much needed break from laying in the winter.

 

[CluckerFamily]

Welcome!
Normally, young pullets will lay throughout the winter without extra white light added.
With my older hens, I have decided to not add extra white light for the winter, in the summer, I freeze any abundance of eggs to last through the winter.

 

[TwoCrows]

Hello there and welcome to BYC!

Oh what lovely photos! Beautiful birds and nice facilities!Thanks for sharing! As stated above, first year pullets usually lay through their first winter. Come next fall your birds will desperately need a good molt. So I would allow them to go through this natural process and not add extra light during the winter.

Enjoy your flock and welcome to ours!

 

[Pickle1960]

Welcome!
Normally, young pullets will lay throughout the winter without extra white light added.
With my older hens, I have decided to not add extra white light for the winter, in the summer, I freeze any abundance of eggs to last through the winter.

Thanks! I hate to mess with Mother Nature!

 

[CluckerFamily]

Thanks! I hate to mess with Mother Nature!

I also figure the girls work so much during the nice months, they have earned a winter break from laying.

 

[Tonyroo]

Welcome to BYC. You have a fantastic place for your chickens, don't forget to use there poop in your garden.

 

[featherhead007]

Even if they don't lay too much in winter, they can still be held and snuggled with!

 

[Pickle1960]

Some snuggle better than others but I am trying to be patient. My Dominique is the best. As they get older they seem more aloof. One is really curious about my cell phone

 

[CluckerFamily]

Some snuggle better than others but I am trying to be patient. My Dominique is the best. As they get older they seem more aloof. One is really curious about my cell phone

Watch your phone!!! You may have some chicken selfies!!!