Coop location /space

[Bawkbok]

to adequately churn the bedding to keep the moisture and smell down.

Try adding some PDZ Coop Refresher in the bedding, poop tray and nesting areas. It absorbs moisture and has a fresh scent.

 

[apoe]

I am new to this myself and after more YouTube than I care to admit on the premades I would don't buy it. I think I read it here that most of these prefab fit maybe half the number advertised at comfortably. I will admit my own fault was buying a smaller prefab before I got my chicks which I got double what it was said to hold, so I ordered a 10+XL from same company which is working great for as a grow out box while mine are still growing. It will not be big enough in the next couple months it might work as an oversized brooder next time.
If you are not able to build your own look on FB market for sheds to convert or coops from people that stopped raising chickens you can find some deals.
After spending too much on two small prefabs I am doing a shed conversion placed behind my garage close to water and power and will have a few Amazon chicken runs so they have plenty of room to run outside.
Location options how far will you need to carry food and water or run power if you want light.
Always remember chicken math is real! Go bigger than you need so you have room for the next chicks you NEED!

 

[SchoolPsychMom]

You are fortunate that your yard has ample shade. Your future hens will appreciate that! I live in south Mississippi so hot and wet are my primary concerns and unfortunately my yard has few trees. Regarding electricity, I went with an easy method and added a solar security light for my coop and had no significant drop off in laying during the winter here. As we have had maybe a week of freezing temperatures total during the 3 years I've had chickens, electricity to keep water liquid is not a concern. I can run a cord as needed.

Based on your pictures and what you have said, I would recommend a coop on the flat area near your house. If it's possible, set your run for them to move about along the back corners. You can use the existing fence for one side and add then add something to keep them contained. Inexpensive netting has been effective in thwarting the local hawks and a pair great barred owls. No more free-ranging for me!

For the money you are considering laying out, I would recommend you get a coop that really fits what you need. I agree with Ridgerunner regarding being able to stand up and reach all areas of the coop. You will want your nesting boxes fairly low, but you need to able to access the area.

I started with 6 hens and a coop I ordered and put together.

I had this inside of a run to keep the ladies safe. Ventilation was NOT adequate for my climate. My hens roosted on the top of the coop! They only went inside the little coop to lay eggs. Just a heads up, they tend to use the same box to lay eggs in even though they have more than option. Following several storms, I have since gone with a much more solidly built coop which includes a cemented 4"x4" frame which I am able to easily stand up-right within.

I use pine shavings in the coop and recently redid their run which is grass and a bare patch. As for time, I give my flock scraps at the far end of the run (the cause of the bare patch), refill & clean their waterers (I have 1 of the 2.5 gallon metal waters in the run and another in coop), refill their feeder, and gather eggs from the coop in about 15 minutes. I add bedding and shavings to the floor on the weekend which might add 10 minutes more.

I think you are smart to be really considering your options up front. I wish I had known someone to ask questions of before getting started. I've asked quiet a few on BYC since starting this journey. Best of luck!