Hey Roxann!
I’d imagine with the wind on the coast you definitely want to do something to protect them from the cold drafts in the winter yet you want to make sure there’s ventilation: too insulated means the ammonia from droppings and condensation can build up inside. A nice think layer of bedding on the floor will definitely help. You could try a seasonal covering on the sides that get the most wind of heavy duty plastic sheeting which you can then take down as the weather warms. Meanwhile, enjoy the summer!

I agree. I have 9 that are going into the stock pot. First I make enchiladas from the meat and then roast the bones with carrots, potatoes, celery, onion, etc then add water and make my own stock and then can it in a pressure canner. That way, nothing goes to waste.

I had 20′ by 30′ that stayed muddy after rain. I covered the area with common top soil and a mix of coarse sand keeping it damp
and it become firm. Works great.

Thanks John

My wife is a Tampa girl, Donna. She never liked it much down there because of the sticky heat almost year round. For that reason, make sure you’re getting birds that are heat tolerant. You’ll probably find that otherwise they’ll be too miserable to lay eggs. Just keep your hens dry and feed them plenty of green stuff. I remember the grass in Florida, especially Tampa, being pretty brown so give them something green like leftover salad and such. They should be happy eating lizards and those scary palmetto bugs for extra protein. 😀