Wintertime care - light

[SandraMort]

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It's not a house, it's a three and a half story barn. I can't imagine that wouldn't be factored in, but maybe I'm being too hopeful?

Here's the image of the second floor, which will give you some idea of the building, but the first floor is under the hill partly, so I'm not sure how much light there is (though I saw light through cracks):

 

[SeaChick]

Hmm... Well I'm not sure I understand. Are you planning on keeping these chickens inside this barn 24/7 year-round? If they're allowed out to range in the good weather months, they're likely to still go outside at least SOMEtimes in the winter.

Are you planning to confine them to the lower floor with no access to the upper floor (and windows) nor to the outdoors? In that case it sounds like an entirely indoor operation and I have no advice for that. Sounds like a bummer of a life for the hens if they have no natural daylight.

If you can further elaborate on your plans maybe we can help more.

 

[SandraMort]

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Yes, I'm planning to let them out. I want to know how to make the barn comfy for when they choose to stay inside.

 

[SeaChick]

Well, if the bottom story is where they will be "cooped" (without access to the upper floors with daylight) then if you want them to continue laying during the winter I would advise adding a light, on a timer, to come on in the early morning and maintain 14 hours of "daylight". If you find that they're all heading outside most days, you can probably program it to turn off at natural dawn.

If there is no ventilation in that area, you will need to also add that.

 

[cmcgoun]

oh okay, well If you want them to keep laying provide a light! If you want to give them a break, give them one, I would open the door in the wintertime, if the snow is not too deep so they have a choice of wether to go out or stay in

 

[Lostdog]

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It's not a house, it's a three and a half story barn. I can't imagine that wouldn't be factored in, but maybe I'm being too hopeful?

Here's the image of the second floor, which will give you some idea of the building, but the first floor is under the hill partly, so I'm not sure how much light there is (though I saw light through cracks):

http://static.forsalebyowner.com/images/large/20563839-6.jpg

This is off-topic but I have to say I LOVE your building.It's gorgeous!!

 

[SandraMort]

I can leave the door open? Fabulous! I thought I'd have to keep it closed to trap their body heat.

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[SandraMort]

Ahh, I wish it was mine. I'm just renting the first floor and part of the second. Photos of the rest at http://sandramort.livejournal.com/2065196.html#cutid1

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[Lostdog]

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Oh Sandra,
You are so lucky.I would love to live there.That is what I love about New York. Are you near the Finger Lakes Region?? That is such a gorgeous area and is full of lovely houses like this.

 

[SandraMort]

Nope, Saugerties, in the Catskills.

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