Coop help

[ellieanne22]

Hi, all!

We are finally getting our first batch of chicks (and ducks!) within the next few weeks. I am in the process of getting everything ready for our new little flock before they get here, and am definitely stuck on the coop some. I really, really like the looks and double use of the coops that have a built-in planter on them (something similar to this https://www.ana-white.com/woodworki...n-coop-planter-clean-out-tray-and-nesting-box) but was wondering if anybody had used a coop that had a planter box and how it worked out. I also had some concerns while looking at the above plans that it may bee to small. I am only planning on having 4-6 chicks but plan on keeping the ducks in with them (only 2 ducks). I am aware that the ducks can make a mess and that I will have to make sure it will be kept clean and dry. I am also aware that because of where I live, we have long periods with freezing temps as well as ice and snow so they may want to stay in their coop rather than be outside. I assume that also means they will need a little bit more space so that they can be in there comfortably out of the weather as needed?

Finally, my back yard is basically one giant dirt patch. Grass does not like to grow there. I wish I had any clue why. How important is it for the chickens to have grass in their run? Do I need to be looking at sod or some sort of turf for them to hunt and scratch in? Or to keep the run/coop cleaner?

Sorry, I know that's a lot of questions. Thanks for taking the time to read & answer

 

[DobieLover]

Hi, all!

We are finally getting our first batch of chicks (and ducks!) within the next few weeks. I am in the process of getting everything ready for our new little flock before they get here, and am definitely stuck on the coop some. I really, really like the looks and double use of the coops that have a built-in planter on them (something similar to this https://www.ana-white.com/woodworki...n-coop-planter-clean-out-tray-and-nesting-box) but was wondering if anybody had used a coop that had a planter box and how it worked out. I also had some concerns while looking at the above plans that it may bee to small. I am only planning on having 4-6 chicks but plan on keeping the ducks in with them (only 2 ducks). I am aware that the ducks can make a mess and that I will have to make sure it will be kept clean and dry. I am also aware that because of where I live, we have long periods with freezing temps as well as ice and snow so they may want to stay in their coop rather than be outside. I assume that also means they will need a little bit more space so that they can be in there comfortably out of the weather as needed?

Finally, my back yard is basically one giant dirt patch. Grass does not like to grow there. I wish I had any clue why. How important is it for the chickens to have grass in their run? Do I need to be looking at sod or some sort of turf for them to hunt and scratch in? Or to keep the run/coop cleaner?

Sorry, I know that's a lot of questions. Thanks for taking the time to read & answer

That coop and run is teeny tiny. Not really even good for 2 full size chickens.
You need 4 sq ft in the coop and 10 sq ft in the run per bird. IMO 10 is way too small. Try for twice that.
If you put a solid roof on the run and cover it with tarps to block the winter wind they can utilize that space year round.
Don't worry about grass in the run. That's completely impossible as the chickens will decimate it in short order. I use a thick layer of wood chips that I get for free from the Town where they run all the branches they collect curbside through a chipper and offer it to the residents.
You should also consider a shed conversion to make your coop.
A scaled down version of this would work. Note the winter tarps in place on the run.
They will be coming off soon.

 

[cavemanrich]

was wondering if anybody had used a coop that had a planter box and how it worked out.
I never had a coop with a planter, but my opinion is,,,,,,, Chickens will get into your planter and finish off what ever flowers you plant. Not out of mischief, but out of desire to scratch.
I also had some concerns while looking at the above plans that it may bee to small.
I agree it is kind of small.
I am also aware that because of where I live, we have long periods with freezing temps as well as ice and snow so they may want to stay in their coop rather than be outside.
They will venture outside during winter without hesitation. They may avoid outdoors during foul weather. Keep in mind that ducks need deep water to drink. They dip their whole head in. In winter you will need a deep source of water heated to prevent freezing. Deep = 4 to 5 inches

I assume that also means they will need a little bit more space so that they can be in there comfortably out of the weather as needed?
A covered run with wind protection on sides is a good option to provide much needed room.
How important is it for the chickens to have grass in their run? Do I need to be looking at sod or some sort of turf for them to hunt and scratch in?
There are peeps that grow grass patches in frames with hardware clothe on top. This allows grass to grow thru, and chickens nibble on grass tops. Are not able to destroy roots.
WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

 

[Mtnboomer]

10 sf per chicken in a run min but 15sf per duck. Ducks making a mess isthe understatement of the century.

Will the chickens have access to the planter as shown in the photo? If so, you will have no planter. They will eat everything in short order.

I see nothing wrong with the concept. Itsa pretty cool use of space, but that design is destined to fail. Blow it up to the size necessary to keep 6 adults and 2 ducks and take into all aspects of chicken needs (ventilation, dust bath, feed, water, space, ease of maintenance etc) do a retake of your own and you and your birds will be much happier.

 

[Mtnboomer]

was wondering if anybody had used a coop that had a planter box and how it worked out.
I never had a coop with a planter, but my opinion is,,,,,,, Chickens will get into your planter and finish off what ever flowers you plant. Not out of mischief, but out of desire to scratch.
I also had some concerns while looking at the above plans that it may bee to small.
I agree it is kind of small.
I am also aware that because of where I live, we have long periods with freezing temps as well as ice and snow so they may want to stay in their coop rather than be outside.
They will venture outside during winter without hesitation. They may avoid outdoors during foul weather. Keep in mind that ducks need deep water to drink. They dip their whole head in. In winter you will need a deep source of water heated to prevent freezing. Deep = 4 to 5 inches

I assume that also means they will need a little bit more space so that they can be in there comfortably out of the weather as needed?
A covered run with wind protection on sides is a good option to provide much needed room.
How important is it for the chickens to have grass in their run? Do I need to be looking at sod or some sort of turf for them to hunt and scratch in?
There are peeps that grow grass patches in frames with hardware clothe on top. This allows grass to grow thru, and chickens nibble on grass tops. Are not able to destroy roots.
WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

I posted a link somewhere on here awhile ago to using a plastic mesh designed for overflow parking and pedestrian travel routes across grass. (Google it) It would be excellent to prevent chickens from scratching roots of grass and preventing compaction (intended use afterall).
As for correcting the rest of your yard consider doing a soil test to ensure ph and fertility levels are correct. They cost a few dollars at your local garden center. Then consider compaction of the soil. May need to till entire yard and reseed with grass appropriate for sun/shade conditions.

 

[ellieanne22]

That coop and run is teeny tiny. Not really even good for 2 full size chickens.
You need 4 sq ft in the coop and 10 sq ft in the run per bird. IMO 10 is way too small. Try for twice that.
If you put a solid roof on the run and cover it with tarps to block the winter wind they can utilize that space year round.
Don't worry about grass in the run. That's completely impossible as the chickens will decimate it in short order. I use a thick layer of wood chips that I get for free from the Town where they run all the branches they collect curbside through a chipper and offer it to the residents.
You should also consider a shed conversion to make your coop.
A scaled down version of this would work. Note the winter tarps in place on the run.
They will be coming off soon.
View attachment 2060166

I agree that the coop in the link is much too small. Your coop is lovely, and so are your chickens! Thank you for the advice about the tarp and wood chips! That will be very useful. Is your run dug in at all? How do you keep pests out of it?

 

[ellieanne22]

I posted a link somewhere on here awhile ago to using a plastic mesh designed for overflow parking and pedestrian travel routes across grass. (Google it) It would be excellent to prevent chickens from scratching roots of grass and preventing compaction (intended use afterall).
As for correcting the rest of your yard consider doing a soil test to ensure ph and fertility levels are correct. They cost a few dollars at your local garden center. Then consider compaction of the soil. May need to till entire yard and reseed with grass appropriate for sun/shade conditions.

I may have to look into testing our soil, as well as some of the other tips you suggested. It would make my husband very happy if we could actually have grass in our yard!

 

[ellieanne22]

10 sf per chicken in a run min but 15sf per duck. Ducks making a mess isthe understatement of the century.

Will the chickens have access to the planter as shown in the photo? If so, you will have no planter. They will eat everything in short order.

I see nothing wrong with the concept. Itsa pretty cool use of space, but that design is destined to fail. Blow it up to the size necessary to keep 6 adults and 2 ducks and take into all aspects of chicken needs (ventilation, dust bath, feed, water, space, ease of maintenance etc) do a retake of your own and you and your birds will be much happier.

As much as I would like to free range my chickens and ducks, that just won't be feasible for me at the moment (we live in the city with strict poultry rules and neighbors). So, they shouldn't have any access to the planter.

I've been wondering about ventilation. I have noticed on several chicken coops that that comes in the form of small windows towards the top of the coop. Do I need to worry at all that my ventilation windows will make it too cold for my birds in the winter time?

 

[ellieanne22]

was wondering if anybody had used a coop that had a planter box and how it worked out.
I never had a coop with a planter, but my opinion is,,,,,,, Chickens will get into your planter and finish off what ever flowers you plant. Not out of mischief, but out of desire to scratch.
I also had some concerns while looking at the above plans that it may bee to small.
I agree it is kind of small.
I am also aware that because of where I live, we have long periods with freezing temps as well as ice and snow so they may want to stay in their coop rather than be outside.
They will venture outside during winter without hesitation. They may avoid outdoors during foul weather. Keep in mind that ducks need deep water to drink. They dip their whole head in. In winter you will need a deep source of water heated to prevent freezing. Deep = 4 to 5 inches

I assume that also means they will need a little bit more space so that they can be in there comfortably out of the weather as needed?
A covered run with wind protection on sides is a good option to provide much needed room.
How important is it for the chickens to have grass in their run? Do I need to be looking at sod or some sort of turf for them to hunt and scratch in?
There are peeps that grow grass patches in frames with hardware clothe on top. This allows grass to grow thru, and chickens nibble on grass tops. Are not able to destroy roots.
WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Thank you for the tip about the heated water in the winter for the ducks. It may have been a thing I figured out or it may not have, so I'm glad you mentioned it. I'm also glad to know that they won't be like me and try and avoid venturing outside all winter long Do i need to take any extra precautions to keep them warm in the winter?

 

[DobieLover]

I agree that the coop in the link is much too small. Your coop is lovely, and so are your chickens! Thank you for the advice about the tarp and wood chips! That will be very useful. Is your run dug in at all? How do you keep pests out of it?

There is a predator apron around the entire structure. And the entire structure sits inside a 1/3 acre pen surrounded by poultry netting powered with a 10,000 volt charger.