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.