Montana Chicken Mom
In the Brooder
- Oct 21, 2021
- 5
- 34
- 38
Hi everyone! New chicken mom here with a small flock of 6 (for now) they will be 18 weeks old next week and I am curious about a few things.
1. Winter care- we typically have harsh winters here in Montana and temps can get down to -30, I have winterized the coop (it is not drafty but there is air flow for ventilation) they do have a radiant heater mounted in their coop for them and it is insulated with straw and pine shavings for them. I intend to bring their water in every night so it does not freeze (unless you have better ideas?? I’m using a top fill gravity waterer) any tips and tricks are appreciated!!
2. They are still on Dumor starter/grower feed with oyster shell on the side… nobody has started to lay eggs yet.. should I keep them on the starter/grower feed and plan to do so with the oyster shell throughout the winter? Should I not expect eggs until the spring? and if so, should I fee layer crumble feed when they all do start to lay?
3. Sun light- During the winter we have very short days And I know sunlight is obviously a necessity for laying- if they do lay throughout the winter, do I need to supplement with artificial sunlight? I read that it is an option- but is it actually a healthy option for them?
Any other helpful info or insight is much appreciated! Just want my gals to stay happy!
Thank you!
1. Winter care- we typically have harsh winters here in Montana and temps can get down to -30, I have winterized the coop (it is not drafty but there is air flow for ventilation) they do have a radiant heater mounted in their coop for them and it is insulated with straw and pine shavings for them. I intend to bring their water in every night so it does not freeze (unless you have better ideas?? I’m using a top fill gravity waterer) any tips and tricks are appreciated!!
2. They are still on Dumor starter/grower feed with oyster shell on the side… nobody has started to lay eggs yet.. should I keep them on the starter/grower feed and plan to do so with the oyster shell throughout the winter? Should I not expect eggs until the spring? and if so, should I fee layer crumble feed when they all do start to lay?
3. Sun light- During the winter we have very short days And I know sunlight is obviously a necessity for laying- if they do lay throughout the winter, do I need to supplement with artificial sunlight? I read that it is an option- but is it actually a healthy option for them?
Any other helpful info or insight is much appreciated! Just want my gals to stay happy!
Thank you!