hgottman2
Songster
Hi, all! We recently bought a new home that sits on 8 acres, so of course I immediately ordered chicks and have started preparing for their arrival. We now are only one week out, and I am still torn on the final location of the coop. I currently am expecting 9 various breeds of hens and one light brahma rooster (I am a victim of chicken math, and this number will likely end up as a total of 12 - I can't stop adding to the order.)
The coop will needed to be located on the east side of our property, which is unfortunately the same side of the house as our master bedroom. We are not limited on location due to water as there are numerous accesses and we intend to run electricity to the coop.
Currently, I am looking at 2 locations. For clarification (and because this group seems to like visual descriptions) I have included a rough map. The first location (#1) is approximately 50 yards from the house. While it would provide shade and a quick access to the coop, I am afraid there will not be much room for an enclosed run. The area with trees is actually on a hill which is located directly behind the house. I am also concerned with just how loud my big boy will be and if 50 yards is too close to the house. I am an early riser, but my husband loves his extra time in bed on the weekends.
Areas #2 and #3 have the same benefits and downfalls. Area #2 is around 75 yards to the eastern most edge where the coop would be located. The run would extend west. Area #3 is approximately 100 yards from the house; the coop would be located on the western side of the marked area with the run and garden extending east. There would be ample area for an enclosed run (partially covered with additional large netted area) and would be an excellent area to put my gardens with plenty of room to expand. The major downfall is that there is no natural shade in these area. Trees could easily be planted in area 3, but area 2 would be more limited due to the septic location. Additionally, area 3 had horses located on the grounds as recently as September 2020. I'm not sure if that could be an issue for chickens or not.. I am truly clueless as to whether crossing animal areas can cause any issues.
So, chicken experts, where would you put your coop? Thank you so much for any suggestions or advice as I begin this journey!
The coop will needed to be located on the east side of our property, which is unfortunately the same side of the house as our master bedroom. We are not limited on location due to water as there are numerous accesses and we intend to run electricity to the coop.
Currently, I am looking at 2 locations. For clarification (and because this group seems to like visual descriptions) I have included a rough map. The first location (#1) is approximately 50 yards from the house. While it would provide shade and a quick access to the coop, I am afraid there will not be much room for an enclosed run. The area with trees is actually on a hill which is located directly behind the house. I am also concerned with just how loud my big boy will be and if 50 yards is too close to the house. I am an early riser, but my husband loves his extra time in bed on the weekends.
Areas #2 and #3 have the same benefits and downfalls. Area #2 is around 75 yards to the eastern most edge where the coop would be located. The run would extend west. Area #3 is approximately 100 yards from the house; the coop would be located on the western side of the marked area with the run and garden extending east. There would be ample area for an enclosed run (partially covered with additional large netted area) and would be an excellent area to put my gardens with plenty of room to expand. The major downfall is that there is no natural shade in these area. Trees could easily be planted in area 3, but area 2 would be more limited due to the septic location. Additionally, area 3 had horses located on the grounds as recently as September 2020. I'm not sure if that could be an issue for chickens or not.. I am truly clueless as to whether crossing animal areas can cause any issues.
So, chicken experts, where would you put your coop? Thank you so much for any suggestions or advice as I begin this journey!