Coop in progress, Any help appreciated!

[teach1rusl]

Your coop is gonna' look great!

That's nice that your husband is gung ho with the project; mine is the same way. I saw an earlier poster mentioned mypetchicken.com....that's a good way to look at different breeds. Meyer's hatchery is another one. Browsing these different sites has really helped me choose breeds that were cold hardy (Indiana), had good temperaments, and were decent egg layers. I've seen some beautiful breeds that I'd love to have if I were in a warmer climate or were free ranging like you. Have fun and good luck!

 

[PaintedGemsRanch]

Thank you all for your wonderful and helpful advice! The mypetchicken website is wonderful and so is the warm weather coops thread!!! (Ill be showing it to my husband when he gets home tomorrow!) I think i have narrowed my breeds down the the Ameraucana, Faverolles, Sussex, Barnevelder, Brahma, and the Welsummer. I know a lot. I have quite a bit of thinking to do haha! Tough choices! (I reeaalllllyyyy like the Faverolles and the Sussexs)

Also how do yall think this will work. We have a fenced in back yard for the dogs, which is also electrified at the base (you can see the yellow insulators at the base in the pictures) Should i turn it off while the chickens are out or will it be ok? Also I have an apple tree, pear tree, 2 large fig trees and an oak tree in the back yard, are those ok? Again thank yall for your help and I cant wait to post more pics on Friday!!! We will be going to the chicken sale on friday night just to kind of scope things out!!

Im secretly excited lol Have a good night everyone!!!

 

[newchickmom]

I think your chickens will be fine with the electric fence. When mine is on, I have seen them go right under it. I think their feathers insulate them a little. Also we do not use that strong of a charger, just enough the horses don't like to touch it with their nose.

 

[mayden]

IMO. I used to live in Atlanta and Columbus, GA and while it is warm it can still get pretty cold in the Winter. The other thing you need to consider are the storms and blowing ran you can get. I think it would be nice if you had sliders that would cover the open front when weather turns south. If you don't do that then I would extend the roof out far enough to keep most the ran out. As others have mentioned make sure you have cross ventilation.

 

[ducks4you]

Quote:
I have my eye on Lakenvelders--I think they are very flashy.
Here's link with some good pics:
http://www.quennell-lake-poultry.com/Lakenvelder.htm
I am sure if you post on the Breed section of BYC you could find someone here that could supply you.
Oh, and

 

[PaintedGemsRanch]

Again thank you for everyones help and the warm welcome!!! Yall give great advice! I cant wait to learn more! I will be discussing with my husband coop design and breeds when he comes home this evening!

Mayden: I will def. take all that into consideration. I think we had planned to make like an awning on the front, not to sure though.

Anymore advice is welcomed and appreciated!!!!

 

[ILOVEFRIZZLES]

I am in harris county too.

 

[DarkWolf]

I'm not one for flash as much as I am for friendly and cuddly. Got to say the red sex-links we have fit that.. Easily picked up and very friendly.