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!

 

[Kevinurse]

Hello, I am planning to start a backyard chicken coop. I plan I getting this coop for 4 chickens and eventually have up to 10 if the hobby grows on me.

https://aivituvin.com/collections/c...n-house-with-run-air46?variant=44743597752601

Which location seems better for me to set up the coop? 2 different corners in my back yard. Both have a slope though and seem to get pretty muddy when it rains. I can set it up on a raised flower bed. Or that flatter area next to my house.. please let me know your suggestions.

Hi MyM. I just started with chickens also. I have four. I live in Chapel Hill NC where the summers can get very hot (100 degrees) and the winters can rarely get to 28 degrees but are cold and wet.

1. I got the Eglu Cube for all the reasons listed. it is very heavy and predator safe and easy to clean. Also has an auto door.
2. I placed mine in the shade and am very very glad I did. I would suggest looking at that first. The air stays 10 degrees cooler there during the worst heat waves I have seen this year.
3. My coop is in a 6 x 9ft run, also Omlet. That coop and run are in an open space that is 40 x 37 ft with an open 8 ft post and wire fence. They can free range there as I have heavy netting on the top.
4. My area is a bit down hill and does get wet but it drains and dries quickly. You need to check the drainage in all of your areas to see how long it takes to dry and that water does not pool for very long.
5. I also went to construction sand for the run surrounded by cement blocks on the outside to help divert rain into the run. I have the sand three inches deep and plan to add more as necessary. It dries fast and the poop kind of disintegrates in it or you can scoop it with a kitty litter scoop.
5. Lastly. My hens often stay outside in light rain but they need covered perches when they want to get out of heavier rain. Mine seem pretty happy and we have gotten tons of rain the last two months mingled with hot steamy days. Just make sure their water is also in shade and cool. Mine will not drink warm water. Kevin Ann

 

[Debnsync]

Hello, I am planning to start a backyard chicken coop. I plan I getting this coop for 4 chickens and eventually have up to 10 if the hobby grows on me.

https://aivituvin.com/collections/c...n-house-with-run-air46?variant=44743597752601

Which location seems better for me to set up the coop? 2 different corners in my back yard. Both have a slope though and seem to get pretty muddy when it rains. I can set it up on a raised flower bed. Or that flatter area next to my house.. please let me know your suggestions.

Hi, like your questions and the answers back regarding space and wet areas. I was thinking same about what you mentioned of the better solution perhaps placing the coop and your chickens upon the stone-raised area, as it seems to be the best space to avoid directly on ground. Now others here may have other ideas they had to use and know more than me regarding putting soil and/or gravel material Questions: is this a shaded and bit of sun place? What is the square footage available there for the coop you have chosen? Wouldn’t it be ideal to have the space around it as well as beneath it. Our first flock, little family, began teaching us, 2020, and have enough room and can be happy inside no worries, beneath roofed house, during torrential rains. Ideally would be if you could add on more! We “inherited” the perfect 10’ x 14’ chicken house and updated basics of support and predator proof using hardware mesh covering 4 windows, roof with vents all around top, and beneath flooring and beams. We built a simple run that amazingly added much more outdoor square feet they use most nice days, created like a tunnel, w/ basic arch-shape, about 7’ tall sections, added simple heavy duty vinyl or plastic as coverage that reflects sun, or holds heat in during cold snaps. It helps them when cannot free range half/day Also, same, do you have a safe outlet nearby that you could use for lighting or other needs? That is how I do this, old farm, outbuildings have it all wired. Running cords in able to have lights and also when we have super cold times here, Piedmont of N. C. btw any chance of adding space for them to extend walking area, though with 4-8 chix will be as others said ok. Just do the math, square footage, etc. Great to hear you have rights to keep the set up in your neighborhood and yes, I would definitely ask for copies of the rules/local laws. Best wishes and share how it goes there!

 

[Debnsync]

Hi MyM. I just started with chickens also. I have four. I live in Chapel Hill NC where the summers can get very hot (100 degrees) and the winters can rarely get to 28 degrees but are cold and wet.

1. I got the Eglu Cube for all the reasons listed. it is very heavy and predator safe and easy to clean. Also has an auto door.
2. I placed mine in the shade and am very very glad I did. I would suggest looking at that first. The air stays 10 degrees cooler there during the worst heat waves I have seen this year.
3. My coop is in a 6 x 9ft run, also Omlet. That coop and run are in an open space that is 40 x 37 ft with an open 8 ft post and wire fence. They can free range there as I have heavy netting on the top.
4. My area is a bit down hill and does get wet but it drains and dries quickly. You need to check the drainage in all of your areas to see how long it takes to dry and that water does not pool for very long.
5. I also went to construction sand for the run surrounded by cement blocks on the outside to help divert rain into the run. I have the sand three inches deep and plan to add more as necessary. It dries fast and the poop kind of disintegrates in it or you can scoop it with a kitty litter scoop.
5. Lastly. My hens often stay outside in light rain but they need covered perches when they want to get out of heavier rain. Mine seem pretty happy and we have gotten tons of rain the last two months mingled with hot steamy days. Just make sure their water is also in shade and cool. Mine will not drink warm water. Kevin Ann

Hi, another Tar Heel, sounds like you are well, wondering about everyone since end of 4th of July when everything flooded all around us as well, Saxapahaw, Alamance Co, Durham Co., Orange Co, Chatham Co, and more. Keeping, holding our local friends in our hearts, prayers as well as for those far and wide. Heads up, Hurricane is now a cat 5!