Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Climate Considerations
Provide your fowl with a building that protects them from wind in the winter and
provides window space for proper ventilation in the summer. Those who live in mild
areas where winter temperatures rarely drop below 15°F (−9°C) really do not need to
worry about providing covering for windows in the winter.
In places where it routinely drops below 0°F (−17°C), you're forced to make de-
cisions about how much to insulate, based at least in part on whether or not you wish to
have good steady egg production during the winter. If you plan to keep your hens lay-
ing, close up the building and provide double walls with some sort of insulation within.
Try not to use blown-in or foam insulation in any area where the birds might get access
to it. Paper-faced fiberglass insulation is probably the best choice. Rodents will still try
to build nests if they can obtain access, but this insulation lasts longer than any other
variety.
Chickens in warmer climates require more windows and sources of shade. Make sure
the windows are covered with a heavy wire mesh or predators will have a feast.
Even in the coldest climates, you need to ventilate the building. For these regions, a
4-inch (10 cm) diameter pipe long enough to reach up and away from the building will
suffice. Place the pipe in a hole just under the top of the roof and fill in any gaps around
it with a sealant type of caulk. The pipe must be situated so that it points away from
prevailing winds. Use a wire mesh to cover the opening and keep rodents and sparrows
from entering the building.
Bantams
typically require a bit more protection than do most breeds of full-size
chickens. You'll need a bit more covering to shield them from wind and rain.
Turkeys
thrive when their building is well ventilated. They don't like a windy envir-
onment, but if you situate them in a southerly facing building, leave the top 2 feet (60
cm) or so of the south wall open and wire covered, and provide full walls on the north-
ern, eastern, and western walls, the turkeys will be content. Never close up the building
completely because turkeys do not do well in high moisture levels and damp environ-
ments. Keep their litter dry and they can handle −25 to −35°F (−31 to −37°C) with little
trouble.
Waterfowl
are the easiest to house. Find them a building that keeps them out of the
wind and regularly offer them some dry straw for bedding, and they'll be happy. To
maintain dry sleeping quarters, regular litter management is key. Insulation is unneces-
sary. As with all poultry, however, it's crucial that you provide your waterfowl with a
house that keeps out predators.
Coturnix quail
do not manage well in extreme cold if it is also windy. Mine have
endured −25°F (−31°C) with minimal losses when they had a solid surface such as card-
