Chicken Coop Placement

[mramericauna]

I have a new issue. I am getting ready to build my chicken coop. The issue I am wrestling with is I want my chicken coop near my garden. It will be roughly 10 feet away from the garden, Since Chicken manure is very rich in nitrogen, when it rains Im scared the chicken "Tea" will burn out a section of my garden. I live in Coastal Georgia and get rain very frequently. And lots of it. Has anyone had this issue, if so what are some solutions other than moving the coop, or am I just being a "chicken" about it?

 

[pintail_drake2004]

unless your garden is directly down hill, and ALL the chicken chit tea runs into the garden, you should be fine. I water my garden with chicken chit tea every year, as well as add 1000# of chicken manure every fall and till it in. No issues.

 

[Folly's place]

I think it will be okay too. Other issues are pertinent for the chickens.
The coop and run must have good drainage, so not in a low spot. Heat is a problem, they need shade! Trees and shrubs matter, and electricity to the coop is a big help, especially all winter. Also water nearby, so you aren't carrying it far.
Too close to a lot line, or the neighbor's house, not so good either.
Sorting those issues may change your plans more than where it sits in relation to the garden.
Mary

 

[mramericauna]

I am well inside my property lines, there is a massive Georgia pine tree that provides shade, I have an inground water line with faucet run out to the garden. The faucet will be roughly 25 feet from the coop. Where the garden and hen house will be is on a slight slope and the coop will be on the uphill side. In addition to the pine tree I plan on elevating the floor of the coop 2.5 feet allowing the chickens under the coop. This will also create a wind tunnel of sorts. Planning on 10 hens, coop will be 32sqft. Run 128 sqft. Coop will have a standard 4:10 pitch roof and a closed in lean to on the back unaccessable to chickens for storage.

 

[Folly's place]

All good, except make the coop larger!
Pictures of your coop plans?
Mary

 

[mramericauna]

I do not I'm going to build it on the fly so to speak. I know what I want it to look like and what security features I'm adding but it's in my head. But what size coop do you recommend then for 10 hens?

 

[Folly's place]

At least 40 sq. ft., and larger is always better!!!
Besides, when 'chicken math' strikes, you won't be sorry to have more room.
Mary