Chicken coop close to house

[WoodlandWoman]

I'd have no problem with having a coop right next to the house. I like having the chickens handy, too. I've done it with a grow-out pen, right below our bedroom window. It just worked out that way, as we already had dog kennels set up there.

In general, super wet + super poopy = super stinky.

A properly maintained coop shouldn't stink. If it does, then you either need to be doing something differently with your litter management or you have a water leak that needs to be fixed.

Smelly runs are much more of a problem. If you free range, that shouldn't be as much of an issue for you. For contained chickens that are pooping a lot in the run, having a sand run that drains well is much better than a wet, muddy run, if you don't want it to smell. Plus, you can rake the sand to clean it, if you need to.

The one reason I wouldn't want to build under a deck, is that I have a bad back. I would not want to do all my chores stooped over. If you can build it so that you have access doors you can reach through at convenient heights, it wouldn't be as bad. There's still cleaning to be done, though. People that build coops and runs that require stooping to maintain tend to write threads about wishing they had gone taller.

The minimum recommendations for chicken housing, per chicken, are:
4 square feet for the coop, if they have access to a run.
10 square feet for the run.
10 square feet for the coop, if they're confined and don't have access to a run.

How much space do you have to work with?

Jbowyer01, you look great in that photo and I think a BYC shirt is perfect attire for cleaning out the coop. What a cute little chicken you're holding! Properly dressed and accessorized, too!

 

[Judy]

I'd do it in a minute. More likely to catch predators in time to intervene, among the other advantages.

 

[CityChook]

Design it well and keep it clean and dry and there will be no smell. Chicken chores in the snow are a bummer, so the closer to the house, the more convenient. And if you change your mind and add heat, you won't have to run a cord too far. I say go for it.

And welcome!

 

[New2Peeps]

My little coop is about 10 feet from the house and it is great for watching the girls. No smell from the run as it is sand with DE and the coop has shavings and DE as well. Now---for the problem I have encountered---my girls have been allowed to free range and really only use the run in bad weather. They are just the best at excavating and the area around their coop and run is bare right now, with lots of 6 to 8 inch holes scattered around, making the yard look like a moonscape. It is not that they have not got ample room----they have a 50 x 50 fenced area to roam in but prefer to stay next to their coop most of the time. So it looks like the coop will be moved---or they will have to stay in the run--not a popular option in their opinion.

 

[tenderkat]

Thankyou all so much for your insight!!! I plan on putting the access doors for clean out on the outer sides of the deck/coop. They will be right at about waist up to chest height, so no stooping. Also, because the area under the deck is open, perhaps they could go under for some shade as needed? I can't wait to get out there with my girls every morning for coffee!!!

Katherine
Mother to the most amazing 4 year old little boy ever, and wife to an equally amazing husband!!! 1 incredibly sweet male American Pit Bull Terrier, a beautiful female Rottweiler, 3 adorably rambunctious kitties, a fish, and a chipper parakeet. And, hopefully soon, a wonderful flock of chickens!!

 

[cgmccary]

I have had a coop right up next to the house. When we had a new roof put on, I had to move it a little away for their safety. My run is bordered on one side by my house.

Here's a view of part of the run from underneath my deck in the back of the house:

House to the right; they roosted right underneath our bedroom window (makes for early mornings):

 

[cmom]

I have had my coop fairly close to my house. I use the DLM and DE. My coop is well ventilated. I have had friends remark on surprise that it doesn't stink. I don't have any pest problems either. Here is a pic when the coop was close to the house. This was during the summer months under a big old live oak tree to shade the coop. This picture was taken late in the after noon so you rally can't see the shade too well but for the better part of the day the coop is in the shade. This is an old picture.

 

[WoodlandWoman]

It sounds like you have some great plans.

I just love sitting on the patio with a cup of coffee and having the chickens milling around. So does my husband. I give them a little snack and they visit a bit. Eventually they start wandering off, scratching around for bugs. You're going to have a great time with them.