[Greenbuilding] chickens

[John Salmen]

Depends on the climate. Basically heat can be given as food and exercise -
creating a semi-enclosed scratching area open to the sun but protected from
winds (haybales can work well as an exercise yard. Spreading loose hay in
the yard and coop and lacing it with grain will help with warmth and promote
a lot of activity - hay or straw could also help with the smell - straw
would be better).  Chickens produce about 10watts of heat per chicken and
can retain heat by fluffing feathers - but they also generate a lot of
moisture so you still need to maintain good ventilation in winter (1/2
sq.ft. per chicken).  Feeding them later in the day and even extending the
day using lights will encourage them to eat more and stay warmer. Warmer
water...

 

I spend a lot of time outside in the winter (including overnight) and employ
the same basic rules of food, food ,food , exercise, exercise, lots of water
and fluffing my feathers.

 

 

 

 

 

From: Greenbuilding [mailto:greenbuilding-bounces at lists.bioenergylists.org]
On Behalf Of Erin Rasmussen
Sent: March-14-13 11:51 AM
To: 'Green Building'
Subject: Re: [Greenbuilding] chickens

 

John,  your post reminded me. Are there any greenbuilding group
recommendations for insulating small hen houses?

The hens generate a certain amount of heat, and a fair amount of ammonia
smell. I can use biochar to help with the smell, but I'd like to improve the
hen house so that it's a bit warmer in winter and cooler in summer. 

 

Thanks,

Erin Rasmussen

erin at trmiles.tocm  

 

From: Greenbuilding [mailto:greenbuilding-bounces at lists.bioenergylists.org]
On Behalf Of John Salmen
Sent: Monday, March 11, 2013 2:58 PM
To: 'Green Building'
Subject: Re: [Greenbuilding] chickens

 

Apologies for the chicken message. Obviously not intended for the list

 

From: Greenbuilding [mailto:greenbuilding-bounces at lists.bioenergylists.org]
On Behalf Of John Salmen
Sent: March-11-13 2:56 PM
To: 'Green Building'
Subject: [Greenbuilding] chickens

 

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