City Rooftop Coop with kids & a dog

[VeniceChick]

Hi!

I am at the very very beginning stages of deciding whether or not to get a chicken. My husband, myself, our 4year old son, 2 year old daughter and golden retriever live in Venice Beach, CA.
Our house has a few patios, one of which is on the "roof." it's only accessible to myself and husband right now, since we block off the stairs as a safety measure for the kids.

The space I have for a coop is about 6' x 6' so I'm thinking 1 or 2 chickens...

I have more questions than answers at thus point.
Here are a few...

1)should I hatch the eggs? Was thinking that would be fun with the kids.
2) any hope that the chicks and dog would be able to be in the same place at the same time?
3)is it better to have 2 so they have a friend?
4)do they need to roam? If so...how much room and for how long?
5)anyone else out there in a similar situation?? Urban with kids and a dog?

I'm excited to start this journey!
Thanks in advance for any feedback

 

[TwoCrows]

from New Mexico!

Hi!
I am at the very very beginning stages of deciding whether or not to get a chicken. My husband, myself, our 4year old son, 2 year old daughter and golden retriever live in Venice Beach, CA.
Our house has a few patios, one of which is on the "roof." it's only accessible to myself and husband right now, since we block off the stairs as a safety measure for the kids.
The space I have for a coop is about 6' x 6' so I'm thinking 1 or 2 chickens...
I have more questions than answers at thus point.

Here are a few...
1)should I hatch the eggs? Was thinking that would be fun with the kids! Hatching can be educational for kids.
2) any hope that the chicks and dog would be able to be in the same place at the same time. Dogs generally do not get along with chickens and the dog will need to be trained not to eat the chickens.
3)is it better to have 2 so they have a friend? Most definitely. Chickens are highly social creatures and do not thrive alone.
4)do they need to roam? If so...how much room and for how long? Chickens need a lot of space. At least 10 square feet per bird.
5)anyone else out there in a similar situation?? Urban with kids and a dog? I know a few urban chicken owners, but not on the roof top. LOL
I'm excited to start this journey!
Thanks in advance for any feedback Good luck on your new chicken venture!!

 

[4-H chicken mom]

Hi and from Ohio. So glad you joined. Good luck.

 

[Kevin565]

 

[weimarmama]

&

from Alabama. Glad you joined us.

 

[Fierlin1182]

Hello and

1)should I hatch the eggs? Was thinking that would be fun with the kids.
You can hatch the eggs if you have the right equipment. You'll need an incubator of some sort, you can have a look around the Incubating section of the forum. However, just be aware that sometimes all the eggs might not hatch if you incubate them yourself, things just happen that way I guess.

2) any hope that the chicks and dog would be able to be in the same place at the same time?
Some dogs are okay with chickens, others are not. It's best to keep them separate though, because you never know which way things could go.

3)is it better to have 2 so they have a friend?
Yes. Chickens are social animals, and are always much happier even with just one companion!

4)do they need to roam? If so...how much room and for how long?
They don't have to free range, if that's what you mean, but the recommended coop space is 4 sq ft per chicken. The bigger the space, the better, but that's the guideline.

5)anyone else out there in a similar situation?? Urban with kids and a dog?
I live in the city. No dogs or kids here though. However the neighbours have three young children and a dog, they keep chickens in their garden and have been doing so for about five years now.

Enjoy the site, and see you round.