Ive got it. Thank you for your help. Im setting her up with her own coop and run area for the period of time needed. On the other side of our property.
Thank you. I think I'm going to give the hen her own area for at least 3 weeks, and then move on to letting them free range together, then all into the same coop and run if all goes well. Now I just need to convince my husband to help me with the rearranging of things
Ok. I didn't think so. Guess I'll do some more research on the topic. If they can't free range in the same yard at different times, I guess I'm just having a hard time figuring out exactly what needs to happen to ensure that they are introduced and kept separately correctly.
We have a small flock, only 3. Now 2 since we had to cull one yesterday after 4 days of illness and isolation. One of the two is broody right now and hatching out 5 babies in a couple weeks. The other hen has been going crazy, pacing in the run until I let her out and making all kinds of noise...
Our babies are 8 weeks old and fully feathered. We finished the coop today and are ready to have them in there full time. We let them out in the run the last couple days and brought them in at night. Tonight though, I wanted to have them stay in the coop. I took them in, sat them on the roost...
I labeled these 1 and 2. I had a friend tell me she thought 1 was a roo, and I thought 2 was a roo. I'm hoping they are both pullets, since I hadn't planned for any cockerals. Opinions?
I'm trying to figure out what to use in the floor of my partially covered run. Sand, mulch, straw? What do you recommend? It's currently dirt. I'm looking for something that will keep the smell down, make cleaning easiest, etc.
So would a hoop coop still be an acceptable option in a climate where it gets into the upper 80s in the summer and snows a few times a year with temps into the single digits? We currently only have 2 Buff Orpington and 1 SL Wyandotte, both of which are supposed to be cold hardy. We may add 2-3...
I think it looks more steep than it actually is. You guys are awesome with all the hoop house/run info! I think that's what we've decided to go with. It seems the most cost efficient while also being safe from predators, allowing us to walk in, while also being able to cover it. I think that...
This might be helpful. Here is the space we have for the chickens. And a terrible drawing of where we want the coop, and the run attached to the right side of it.
The low split rail fence and the close proximity to the neighbor is why I'm wanting a lower run.
That lower part will be fenced...
I don't mind to bend over, I also have 2 kids to do some of the work LOL. I just don't want to be on my hands and knees attempting to clean out the run either.
Coop is going under a tree with lots of ventilation
Thanks guys. So the general consensus is raise the coop about 2' up. Done.
And definitely build a bigger run? Even if it's only going to be used here and there when I'm not home? And they'll be locked up in the coop at night. I guess I'm just trying to get this run done as cheaply as possible...
I should add, the run would mainly be for when I am not home, otherwise we plan on giving them the fenced yard we have decided to dedicate to the chickens. We have 3 now, but may expand to 6 in the future, but no more at our current house. Also planning for a 4x6 coop.
Still trying to get the last of our plans together so we can get started on building our coop and run. I have a few questions I'm really hoping someone can answer or offer advice on.
1. How high off the ground should a raised coop be?
2. Can I have the outdoor run just under the coop, or do I...