Raising animals (just like raising children) is a lot of work.  Most of the time we really enjoy it, but it does become more challenging in winter. We’ve made things as easy on ourselves as possible by setting up the chicken coop to work well year round.

One of the first things we knew we wanted was an automatic door.  This door uses light and temperature sensors to let the chickens in and out.  It will open when it senses sufficient light and close when it gets dark.  It also will not open if the outside temperature is too cold.  It costs about $300 and that investment is well worth it.  It allows us to be away from the farm and know that the chickens have fresh air during the day and are protected at night.

Chickens need enough light to lay their eggs, so during the darker winter, we supplement their light.  We use a timer so that the light comes on automatically at 4 am.  This keeps the chickens laying year round.  We don’t have the light extend into the evening because that really confuses the chickens.  If the light suddenly turns off at midnight, they haven’t had time to get ready for bed on their roosts.

This winter has been crazy cold.  The chickens haven’t wanted to go outside much because the snow is so icy and they slip and slide.  They prefer to spend the days in the little outside run we built for them.  The straw bedding is much easier for them to walk on.

But apparently, one chicken decided to get brave and head out on adventure!

 I love my chickens!  They’re a great way for the younger children to have the responsibility of feeding and caring for animals.