Coop for mostly free-range chickens?

[Kaolru]

I'm new to chickens specifically. I've only had ducks and guineas, but decided to pick up six buff orpington pullets to raise with my guinea keets. They're still in the brooder, but I'm trying to plan for moving them outside.

My chickens and guineas will be free range during the day and shut in at night as per my current routine. My current run is an old chain link dog run. Guineas don't care much for coops, so I only provided perches and a roof. For the chickens though, I feel like I should provide at least nesting boxes. I know with them being mostly free range they are unlikely to use nesting boxes, but I'd at least like to provide some anyway.

Should I build a coop and attach it to the run anyway? Do chickens prefer to be in an enclosed space as opposed to guineas who prefer a perch out in the open? I almost had a coop given to me, but it fell through, and I'd rather try to build one than fork out the kind of money it takes to buy one.

 

[HuskerHens18]

From my experience, chickens do best with a coop. If a chicken misses coop lockdown for the night, the first place they go is a shed with lots of hiding places.
I never attached a run to my coop until this year, and let me tell you, I wish I would've added a run six years ago. It makes happier chickens, and less stress for me if I can't let them free range for whatever reason. It's not even a big run, it's just big enough for all chickens to be outside and have a little scratching room, and they love it.

 

[Pork Pie]

I think a lot has to do with climate. If you live on the equator, then you may do perfectly well by installing roosts and nest boxes in the run. Climate is a key variable to consider.

Including your general location, under your avatar will help contextualise your posts / questions.

Best wishes

Pork Pie

 

[Kaolru]

Climate was my main concern. I didn't realize I hadn't put a location on. I'm in Pennsylvania, so the winters get quite cold. The guineas do alright, but I feel like the chickens would rather have a warm place to escape the wind and chill.

I guess I'll have to start figuring out a plan for building a coop then.

 

[Pork Pie]

Climate was my main concern. I didn't realize I hadn't put a location on. I'm in Pennsylvania, so the winters get quite cold. The guineas do alright, but I feel like the chickens would rather have a warm place to escape the wind and chill.

I guess I'll have to start figuring out a plan for building a coop then.

I think that would be the best thing. Here’s some links that may be useful

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/
http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/winter-chicken-keeping
http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/winter-coop-temperatures

You could also ask on your state thread for advice - https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/find-your-states-thread.270925/