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RE: Keeping off-grid laying hens at -40C/-40F
Yes, we have roosts and nesting boxes for them as well. In the summer they roam around all over the yard. They are away from the garden but do find their way there from time to time. We have 50 hens and 5 roosters. The roosters allow us to then hatch our own eggs. A conversation for spring. They also protect the hens and they keep an eye out for predators. They are the early warning system for the chickens. They help out a great deal.
Yeah, we have had 5 roosters in the past and there was too many fights, plus I didn't like how they treated the hens. We will try again next spring as each rooster definitely has a different personality.
Depending on the breed, you may want to limit the ratio between 8:1 or even 10:1. Any higher ratio and there is too many roosters and the hens really get beat up. Any lower and there is not enough to maintain a high fertility rate with the eggs. I work on a 10:1 ratio and they seem to do fine.
Agreed. Thanks!