Built new coop take a look tell me what u think?

[Bi0s]

It gets real hot in fla that tin worries me that it will get to hot.. just keep an eye on it of it gets to hot u may have to make some changes good luck

 

[melroseladi]

I am new to register but a long time reader of BYC and I am also in Florida. I was given 3 adult guineas by an elderly man and before I knew it chicken math had kicked in and I got 2 silky chickens. I am now looking to get a "few" laying hens. I can't have roosters, yet!

I will be starting on my coop this weekend. I found a chain link dog kennel on CL, 6' tall, 20' long, 5' wide that is expandable. It has 2 gate panels and a solid dividing panel. I found a coop on the design page that has super good instructions, can be modified to suit our heat, and can be modified for expansion. The design is for an 8' x 4', which is probably what I am going to start off with but the solid back wall can be removed and expanded if need be. I think that is very likely with my chicken math.

The front top of the coop design is wire, which I will keep. The side walls will also be wire with the ability to insert solid slide ins if needed. The roof will be wire with a sloped roof above it leaving room for hopefully good ventilation. I am on 5 acres of woods and have found a spot that stays shaded most of the day and although it is a bit further from the house then I would like, it will be the best spot for the chickens.

I want to thank everybody on here for their wonderful tips, designs, and insights and to let everybody know that your help is far reaching even to folks who are not members of BYC. I am so grateful to have found all the information on ventilation. Without it, my chickens would have suffered in the Florida heat. So, thank you all.

 

[Paul333]

Here is the updated pics of sand and new openings. What do u think? Is that better?

 

[Paul333]

If i fence of section outside of there coop to rome around when i am home will hawks eat them? or eagles? I know when there chicks they will but how about when they are adults? How high can they jump or fly ?

 

[2DogsCoop]

I have not heard of any chickens in my area getting attacked hawks or eagles but I guess it could happen. That is my concern here also, I would like for them to free range in my yard during the day eventually but I too am worried they might get attacked by something. But I have a lot of friends that have chickens and they said its not been a problem for them so far. Everyone is telling me it is the night time predators to be concerned about.

 

[Bi0s]

your coop looks better now for sure real good job

 

[f8thnjc]

I'm thinking it may heat up like a tin can.

 

[f8thnjc]

Quote:
We live in Maine where there are a lot of predators. We like to let our chickens out for an hour or so just before the sun goes down. We are outside then in the summer most of the time anyway. They will go back to bed on their own. It is a treat for them and it is controlled because we are out there with them.