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[Gene GeRue <genegerue AT ruralize.com>]

> It takes about a dozen heavy-breed hens to keep warm enough in the
> winter here;

Common belief denied by the many chicken books I have. The Taj Mahen 
is insulated, possibly the only insulated henhouse in Ozark County. 
Then I learned it is unnecessary. It is important to provide a place 
that is out of drafts, though there must be adequate ventilation to 
remove moisture and ammonia. Plenty of bedding, a roost above any 
moisture area, no drafts, egg boxes. All covered by a good roof and 
safe from coons. That's about the extent of hen requirements.

In addition to too large a flock, almost everyone makes their 
henhouse too big. The Taj Mahen is six by six. Eggs collected via a 
hinged siding board from the outside.

> I'd calculated I could get along quite nicely on 6..

That is the number I will have next year. With artificial light 
manipulation they will keep two of us amply supplied most of the 
year. Plan to bring in two pullets every year, kill two old hens.