Re: Chicken question

From: Jill. (news_at_REMOVETHISkintaline.co.uk)
Date: 02/25/05 

Date: Fri, 25 Feb 2005 14:23:44 -0000

Searcher 1 wrote:

> There are 6 Chickens, The Pen is 10' X 10' squared.

I take it you move this on to fresh ground every few months?

 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.

Why?
That is tropical - it will be like a sauna
This is not comfortable for chickens

 Only when the outside temp.
> is less the 50 degrees.

50 'F is 10 degrees C -- our birds have that day in day out year around
sometimes -- that is not cold at all

Birds in a secure timber house with solid walls on each, high ventilation
and a non condensing roof are perfectly capable of being very comfortable in
temperatures down to 23 degrees F [ minus 5 degrees C] as long as its not
all winter and the birds are dry.

 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.

Okay -- make the front a solid wall with a proper door and pophole. Have a
ventilation strip at the top.
They need to be OUT of the elements at night - they also need peace away
from any night time predators passing through
In this building you need to put perches off the ground that are about 2-3
inches in diameter

 What is a POP HOLE?

It is the opening that the birds move in and out of a building that you shut
every night

 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.

The birds should have access to fresh water in a fountain drinker at ALL
times
Warm water is not necessary -- plenty of fresh water is

>
> Keep in mind this is all temporary,

It is what the birds are living in right now tho

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.

Which books have you read? 

--
regards
Jill Bowis
Pure bred utility chickens and ducks
Housing; Equipment,  Books, Videos, Gifts
Herbaceous; Herb and Alpine nursery
Working Holidays in Scotland
http://www.kintaline.co.uk
>
> Searcher1