Coop near active driveway?

[ezhai24]

I’m planning on building a chicken coop and run in my front yard. The spot I’m considering is right next to my neighbor’s driveway/garage and I’m concerned about exhaust fumes. I’ve only lived here a couple months but they seem to own at least 5 vehicles and will idle them in the driveway for minutes at a time most days (I have no idea why). Will the exhaust harm my chickens? Would it be better to build the coop on the other side of my house further away from the driveway?

 

[gtaus]

Will the exhaust harm my chickens?

Probably not. If outside, I don't think I would worry too much.

Would it be better to build the coop on the other side of my house further away from the driveway?

I think you should build the coop where ever it is most convenient for you to take care of your chickens. I have my coop and run in the backyard, but have water and electricity on the backside of the house. So it works for me.

I’m planning on building a chicken coop and run in my front yard.

Some townships have ordinances that do not allow you to have chickens in your front yard. Most people have more privacy in their backyards, so that may be an advantage, especially if you have unchained dogs (or children) in the neighborhood.

Best wishes for you and your new flock.

 

[BDutch]

I would not like the idea of having chickens in polluted air. But I don’t know if it can harm them or if there will be residues in the eggs.

I feel for you having such neighbours. Good luck.

 

[Callender Girl]

If I had the option of building further away from their driveway, I would. I don't like the idea of the chickens being exposed to that much exhaust, although I honestly don't know how much harm it will cause. It can't be pleasant for them.

Plus, having more privacy for your chickens sounds better anyway. When I lived in town and had miniature goats (long story), even with their pen in my backyard, I would often find visitors who wanted to check them out. Sometimes, I didn't mind, but I can't imagine how many more people would have been traipsing through my front yard had I kept my babies there. I had to worry about people offering inappropriate "treats" to my kids.

Good luck with your construction project, and welcome to BYC!

 

[CluckerFamily]

I personally would build away from the active driveway. I’m not sure the exhaust will harm the chickens.
Some ordinances also state you have to have the coop a certain distance from your neighbors.

 

[3KillerBs]

Which way does the wind blow?

It might be a good idea to have a solid rather than wire wall all along the driveway just to keep headlights out at night.

Night traffic used to wake my in-town flock and make my rooster crow.

 

[ezhai24]

Thank you all for your practical points and perspectives! It sounds like the general consensus to avoid building the coop near the driveway if possible. I've looked around my yard and do think there's a good spot further way from my neighbor.

 

[Nigel27]

I don’t know how close you are to your neighbors or what the predator situation there is but I have definitely noticed more traffic means less predators. My front yard coop is way safer than my backyard coop. Bears will wonder around my backyard snooping around but will only use my front yard to run across the road as the traffic makes them uneasy(some of them)