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Welcome to BYC!
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We're glad to have you.

A good coop to buy or build would be one that:

  • Has enough space. Each chicken should have at least four square feet of inside space. More is better. Sometimes, less works too, but you run a higher risk of fighting and pecking.
  • Is protected from predators. Make sure that it has secure latches. If there is a attached run, make sure that the wire run can either be extended twelve inches below ground, or that it has a wire "skirt" that extends out about eighteen inches. Use hardware cloth; chicken wire is weak and easy for predators to break.
  • Has enough ventilation. Poor ventilation can lead to a whole host of problems. It can cause respiratory diseases, and lead to frostbite in cold weather as moisture builds up.
  • Is easy to clean. It is no fun to clean a coop that is cramped or hard to clean. Pick a design that can be raked out or otherwise easily cleaned.
  • Is draft free. Be sure that no cold winter wind is going to come howling over the chickens while they are roosting.
  • Has enough roost space. Each chicken will need at least 8 inches of roost space.
  • Has room for at least two nest boxes. Nest boxes can easily cut into the total amount of space in a coop and make the chickens crowded.
  • You like the look of. Don't pick a coop that is going to make your yard look ugly, if that matters to you. Many chicken coops can be quite attractive.

In response to one of your later questions, it is fine to not let broody hens hatch chicks. They won't be too unhappy, especially if your break them of their broodiness early. This usually involves keeping them out of the nest boxes for a couple of days so that they forget about being broody.

You've picked two very good breeds. I haven't kept Dominiques, but my Easter Egger has been quiet, docile, and a very good layer of lovely green eggs. Dominques have a reputation for being hardy, especially in the cold.

Good luck with your future flock! If you have any other questions, just ask! We'll be happy to help in any way we can.
 
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I'm glad you joined us!

Wyandottes7 gave you some great advice.

Many coops would work well for you, as long as they have enough space. The general rule is about 4 square feet of inside coop space per large fowl chicken. Preferably, you would also give each bird at least 10 square feet of outdoor run space, too, or let them range around outside during the day. Don't forget about roosting space (about 8 inches per hen), and nest boxes (1 for every 4 hens works well), either.

Good luck with your future chickens! You've chosen some nice breeds.
 
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Welcome to BYC! Please make yourself at home and we are here to help.

Wyandottes7 and Bantam Lover21 have given you great advice!

Good luck!
 
mdzw said:
thanks, I don't plan on getting a rooster unless I have a real problem with preditors. I understand they defend the flock,but they can be nasty. I figure when the first 3 stop laying, I will get 3 more chicks & hand raise them until they are big enough to enter the coop. If a hen is "broody" does it matter if she doesn't get to hatch chicks? I would like my hens to be happy & as friendly as possible. My sister is concerned about introducing hens in later because of upsetting the "pecking order". I have not read about this yet. There was a chicken I wanted that I guess was rare because I couldn't get it till July. It is supposed to be very friendly & affectionate. I would love my birds to be affectionate. Lol. I read the best way to do this is to handle them a lot as chicks. It was a blue Orpington, if I find one locally I May still get one.
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Any Orpington is lovely no matter the color. Yes, the more you handle them as chicks, the friendlier they will be. Introducing new birds to a flock always upsets the pecking order but, if they have been getting to know one another through the fence-*see each other but not touch each other* - for a month or so, it reduces the upset. As I said, EE's will not go broody but Orpingtons may. Do not let them stay broody if you're not going to let them set. Break them asap as brooding is very hard on the bird physically, health wise. The best bet for predator protection is you! The rooster's warning allows hens to get away. A domestic cat is usually the only predator roos can beat.
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Welcome to BYC!!! There are loads of members on here…so if you have ANY questions…just ASK!!!

Hope you have loads of fun and all your answers answered here on BYC the BEST CHICKEN KEEPING FORUM on EARTH!!

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