17 year old Aussie here, needing advice when I get my chooks soon :) plus my story

[1muttsfan]

Hi and welcome to BYC from northern Michigan

That coop comes out to around 5.8 square feet of floor space (11 square feet if you count the nest boxes, but that is not really living space). Most sources recommend about 4 square feet per bird inside, so that is going to be pretty tight quarters unless the birds have constant access to a run as well. I also don't care for how the perches sit so close to the floor, it looks like it would be difficult for the birds to scratch around on the floor.

 

[wullus]

Thanks everyone! I went to my local farmer supply/hardware store (all integrated thingy) and ordered 3 hens. However, I know with this coop that I'll have to let them out every day, and hope to God that they don't eat whatever these other four chooks died from.

Also, they said it could take up to a month before they get another batch in! might scavenge around at the farmer's markets on Sunday...

I was thinking of building a run, so that they would still be safe from predators if I left the door open all the time (and save me having to open it every single morning), but I dunno. I think having a massive wire structure would spoil the look of this little barn-coop looking thing. Automatic door??

I'm also thinking that I won't let the two flocks mix during the day, so that they don't mingle and roost in the same area. See how that goes. Thanks again!