Re: Chicken question

From: Mary Fisher (mary.fisher_at_zetnet.co.uk)
Date: 02/25/05 

Date: Fri, 25 Feb 2005 15:09:39 -0000

" Jill." <news@REMOVETHISkintaline.co.uk> wrote in message
news:421f34e6$0$23581$ed2e19e4@ptn-nntp-reader04.plus.net...
> 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

Yes, I was wondering if the heat was too much - they seem to stay away from
it most of the time.

85 degrees would be unbearable for me and I'm not covered in feathers.

Mary
>
>
> 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
>