How to raise Backyard Chickens: Re: [CHICKENS-101] New to Chickens

Why do you keep warmers on, I live in Jersey were it gets below zero and I have never had a hen die or even get sick.

I was told by an old timer who doesn't even give them a coop, he said they are wild animals and it is not natural to keep them warm at night, they should be kept the way nature intended.

They will live longer.

IMO

From: goatsnchickens

Sent: Sunday, October 02, 2011 12:51 PM

To: CHICKENS-101@yahoogroups.com

Subject: [CHICKENS-101] New to Chickens - Housing Question

I currently have an odd-dozen month-old chicks in two joined cages and am using a warming lamp at night. I live in the hills around Los Angeles, so it's not too hot during the day and cooler at night. We rarely get frost. We live in an oak forest so the housing will be in the shade. We have a LOT of wildlife/predators in the area. I'm trying to be smart about keeping the chickens alive :)

I don't plan to have more than a dozen birds and I am building a fenced run, for them as protections as well, but would something like this: http://www.riongreenhousekit.com/riongreengiant-GG-8.php be wildly inappropriate to house the chickens?

My thoughts:
It looks to have enough ventilation that condensation wouldn't be an issue.
I can screen the vents/window opeings for added protection
I could install a floor to help prevent digging critters
It may help keep out rodents and other animals
It's not something my neighbors would consider an eyesore
I can do just about anything on the inside to make it "chicken friendly" as well as setting up a storage area for supplies, etc.

Your thoughts?

If it is off-base, what is my best bet for housing a dozen birds? Most of the pre-fab coops I've found are for 2-4 birds...and while I could get a few coops, if the chick behavior is any indication, they will all cram into one tiny space rather than spreading out evenly over a few coops.

Anyone?