Chicken Newbie

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Happy hen lover said:
Welcome here first off.
It would help to know where( in general) your located. Such as I live in SW Nebraska so we will know type and style of coop to advise you on. Hot humid cold frigid all matter I coop design. There are some great articles on here once we know where you are and how many hens your planning.
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Hello!!

Well that makes perfect sense! I’m in North Texas!! I’d like 6-8 laying hens. 10 tops.
 
Glad to meet you. Welcome to Back Yard Chickens. Best wishes with your birds and all your plans. Here is an article that describes and gives plans for a general purpose coop for 4 hens that would work in most climates. You could probably enlarge this. But if you are in a really hot climate, you would want an open air coop. there are also hoop coops that are quick to build and hold more chickens, and you can stand up in them. And there is the classic Woods Open Air coop which is great for colder climates. Here is an article illustrating ventilation that also has links to numerous coop designs.

You really would be well advised to either build one yourself, or hire somebody to do it for you. Prefab coops NEVER hold as many chickens as they advertise, and NEVER have as good ventilation as you need. I was foolish and got a prefab coop that was actually recommended in the Chickens for Idiots book, and am only using it for the next boxes because my hens like those. I was lucky enough to find a new, never-used hand built coop for sale on Craigslist. That's where my ladies spend their nights. That plastic monstrosity sits in the middle of their large pen and takes up space.
 
Chelsdoney said:
Hello!!

Well that makes perfect sense! I’m in North Texas!! I’d like 6-8 laying hens. 10 tops.
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Well then 6-8 is a good number. I only know about cold hardy and heat tolerant breeds. I have to plan for freezing temps, and blowing snow here. And birds whose combs won't freeze and bigger coop because of miserable days when they will get shut in there. About 2 or 3 of those a year usually.
For you, you need to plan for how to combat heat and humidity I'd guess? Provide lots of ventilation for humidity. I agree stay away from pre fab coops they never hold as many chickens as they claim. Maybe chicks! but not grown hens.
I'm exited for your new adventure. Enjoy. Ask anything here, inevitably someone has dealt with almost every problem on here. There are some great articles about coops on article page( lil icon that looks like page above)
 

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