Re: Chicken question

From: Searcher 1 (unitedair2004_at_verizon.net)
Date: 02/25/05 

Date: Fri, 25 Feb 2005 13:22:51 GMT

There are 6 Chickens, The Pen is 10' X 10' squared. The Heated box is 4' X
4' Squared. the infrared lamp stays on 24 hrs. inside the box, the temp in
the box stays at 85 degrees. Only when the outside temp. is less the 50
degrees. There is a roof and three walls to the enclosure, the front is open
ti the elements, the enclosure is made from 4"x2" metal cage fencing. They
(chickens) prefer to be out in the main area of the enclosure during the
daylight hours and usually "sleep" close to but not in the heated box. The
hens do lay the eggs in the heated box and they are closer to the interior
when they "sleep" with the cockerels "gaurding the doorway. (I guess this is
what they are doing) The roosters do get along quite well, with almost no
fighting between them. Two of the roosters do not like anyone besides
myself, and I think they only tolerate me. One Cockerel is very well
mannered and will even allow himself to be picked up and "petted".
    What is a POP HOLE? If it is the opening to the heated box then it is
the bottom 2/3rds of the heated box. Plenty big enough for them to walk in
yet low enough to hold the heat. The entire enclosure has a dirt floor with
fresh straw and hay every two weeks or so, likewise the heated box. There
are also six nesting boxes that the hens will lay in during the warmer time
of the year, they all roost on top of the heated box and the nesting boxes
at various times.
    They drink hot water in the morning, We have to fill the bowl three
times a day with hot water and they seem to enjoy the warmer water.

    Keep in mind this is all temporary, we are only renting this property
and will be buying a house this spring (God willing). I do plan to build a
larger permanant structure for them once we move. I want at least three more
hens. That will make a total of 7 after culling the two present cocks.
Any better ideas ARE appreciated, remember this is my first foray with
chickens.

Searcher1

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