Woods Fresh-Air coop build

Brody Ekberg wrote:On to the issue now: we’ve got mites. Been battling them since last fall with differing degrees of success. I think some pullets we bought last fall came with mites and lice and we didnt know until they were mixed with the flock for several days. I know I should have inspected them before buying and then quarantine but I didnt and now here we are. I learned that lesson!

I am working on a "landrace" of hardy, mite-and-disease-resistant chickens on our farm.

There is a wide variation in genetic strength. I don't keep the non-thriving hens for breeding. I sort out the best layers and the healthiest hens in late winter for hatching our new generation. I also look for the older ones that have resisted disease for several years in a row, and are still laying. After doing this for about 4 years now, we don't have much trouble with mites or diseases anymore.

However, we aren't yet where we would like to be at for egg production over winter. We do depend on them making a profit, so we will continue to work on selecting for good winter laying.

Marvin Weber wrote:
I am working on a "landrace" of hardy, mite-and-disease-resistant chickens on our farm.

There is a wide variation in genetic strength. I don't keep the non-thriving hens for breeding. I sort out the best layers and the healthiest hens in late winter for hatching our new generation. I also look for the older ones that have resisted disease for several years in a row, and are still laying. After doing this for about 4 years now, we don't have much trouble with mites or diseases anymore.

However, we aren't yet where we would like to be at for egg production over winter. We do depend on them making a profit, so we will continue to work on selecting for good winter laying.

This seems like a good idea! I butchered the hen and rooster that were worst infested with mites. Not because of their genetics but just because they were old and we had too many birds anyway. But now that you mention it, keeping them alive, fighting their mites and letting them breed probably wouldn’t have been wise.

Im working on an Orpington/Swedish Flower mix that I want to breed to select for winter hardiness, egg laying, broodiness and mite resistance. I also think we may have Avian Leukosis in the flock so selecting for resistance to that will also probably be wise.

Hey Brody, I am designing a coop and I remembered this thread. I just want to build a single shed roof, so I picked the "Martin Colony House" out of the book. And I am cutting that in half, so it will be 8x6 instead of 8x12. Thanks for posting your coop!
I don't know much about mite prevention. I hope your hens are doing better.

Mites hide during the day so to see them you have to go out when it’s dark with a strong flashlight. Dusting the coop with DE is what I’ve seen most recommended.