I think I have finished the building of the coop-run and moved the kids there Tues nite. So far they seem happy, the inside of the coop is the same size as the brooder (8'X8'). I think, hope , I have everything varmit-proofed, hardware cloth up 2' and 1' of apron . I have a neighbor , 1/4 mile away that feeds racoons from her back deck so I know they wiil come by to inspect. 12 ga & 22 are loaded and ready!
The run is 24X24 with the coop 8X8 in one corner, I covered the top of the run with chicken wire cause there are lots of hawks & owls in the area. I currently have 24 chicks, when the roos reveal themselves, I will cull them to 1 roo & the hens. We are new to chickens so we will stick with whatever number we end up with thru this winter. I keep reading here about chicken math & I don't think the coop will hold more than 16 so have no current plans to increase the flock.
Thanks to everyone here for the good advice and suggestions.
The run is 24X24 with the coop 8X8 in one corner, I covered the top of the run with chicken wire cause there are lots of hawks & owls in the area. I currently have 24 chicks, when the roos reveal themselves, I will cull them to 1 roo & the hens. We are new to chickens so we will stick with whatever number we end up with thru this winter. I keep reading here about chicken math & I don't think the coop will hold more than 16 so have no current plans to increase the flock.
Thanks to everyone here for the good advice and suggestions.
