Vancouver backyard chickens

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Permalink Reply by Duncan Martin on May 6, 2012 at 1:44am

Hi Steve,
Straw can be purchased in the Valley at most Otter Co-op locations, as can feed, supplies, etc. Folks on this list are pretty good about posting if they go out there in order to minimize trips. Otherwise, you can get feed at Mark's Pet Stop, and Tisol, as well as Roddick's Farm Supply in Delta. I live about 5 blocks north of you so we should keep in touch about co-purchases.
Chickens do fine in Vancouver winters, provided that their water doesn't freeze and their breath doesn't cause too much humidity. So on the coldest nights, keep the vents open, but provide either some low-wattage electrical heat or fill a big jug with hot water and cap it to slowly release warmth. They'll eat snow if it's there as well.

I would not use fine sawdust, but most wood shavings would be okay. Stay away from cedar shavings because they cause respiratory problems.. And the almond smell when you cut cherry is said to be from the cyanide content in the wood. Uncle Gary turns cherry bowls and told me that. Better safe than sorry.
Leaves work pretty well. When you rake them out, keep them in a contained pile and then use them as an additive in your compost after they've broken down a bit.

I don't know of any gatherings scheduled, but it would be fun to all get together for some egg salad and custard meringues sometime this summer. The bike-powered tour de coops was pretty fun last year. Maybe we can do a laid back version of that this year if people are up for it.
Duncan

Permalink Reply by Laura Arp on May 10, 2012 at 3:09pm

Hi Leon
Welcome to the chicken world! Duncan is a great resource - I would have suggested to you to take a Backyard Chicken workshop but as Duncan is one of the presenters you have all you need right there.

And I am definitely game for an egg salad fest.

L.