Coop placement help, please (pics included)

[biretta]

Although it's a ways off, 1 to 2 years to be specific, I am kind of starting to plan my future coop. We'll hopefully be building on our 10 acre lot at that time. I can't wait to let my chooks free range there! Here's the issue: the lot's rectangular with thick woods at one end and the road at the other. The s.o. thinks they should be situated at the back end, adjacent to the woods as he doesn't want the chickens being the first thing people see as they drive in to the house.

I'm thinking that letting them free range back there when they're out of their run is asking for trouble. Even if it's just a little bit away, wouldn't it be safer, predator-wise, to keep them in the front portion of the lot where it's all open pasture and away from the woods? In that case there'd be fencing in that front portion to keep them from heading back to the woods. I've included pics of the lot. (That's me on the phone BTW, which is why my arm is in that weird position.) What do you think, based on experience or theory? Although I love the thought of having all that chook land, the thought of rampant predators makes me uneasy; I currently live in a reasonably populated residential neighborhood where it's a little bit tamer. Thanks in advance for any input!

 

[siz8003]

holy crap!!! you can put them anywhere!!!

 

[BeckyLa]

imho, I think that first you should decide where the house is going to be. You want to be able to see the coop, to keep an eye out for preditors and problems, and you don't want to have to make a long hike to care for the birds and gather eggs in the pouring rain or howling blizzard. Convenience in caring for them is important to consider. So, think about sketching the basic layout you have in mind for your land, house, barns, etc., then decide about the coop. With the woods you will have shade in hot weather, a wind block, and somewhere for them to go when hawks come around. You'll also have coons, possum, skunks, etc. With the field you will have sun in the winter. And you'll have hawks, coons, possum, skunks, etc. The varments will find them no matter where you put them but you'll have a bigger problem with hawks in the pasture. If your house will be at the front with the pasture between you & the woods so you choose to keep the coop close and in the open, then just plant some bushes and things they can run under to hide when the hawks come around. But also remember that should you choose to free range, woods or pasture, you will loose some birds.

 

[biretta]

We've already decided to put the house towards the middle but just a tad closer to the woods than the road. It's just up in the air as to where the coop will go--in front of or behind the house. I guess there really is no way to evade the varmints. Good thing I have all this time to weigh all the factors you presented. Thanks!

 

[bayourouge]

get yourself a dog. like a great pyrenees, and put it living with your chickens right now as a puppy. when you move out there, you'll be able to build their coop IN the woods if you want and not have much of a predator problem. just something to consider

 

[lurky]

I think you should start planting trees here and there so they can get growing for a cover/shield for them. I think the dog thing is a good idea. My mail-lady lives in a town where i would think would be the worse place for chickens yet she has never in 4 years lost one because she has a lab and he stays out there at night looking after the yard.

 

[erinm]

to the side and front? erinm

 

[kstaven]

In my opinion, if the trees are to the North of you I would put the coop to the back. Good winter shelter and the sun will help heat the coop in the winter if you put big enough windows in on the south face.

Trees also allow your chickens for forage out of the extreme summer heat and provide some degree of protection from birds.

A good coop and fence line takes care of much of the rest.

 

[peepkeeper]

I agree with putting the coop by the trees. Shade and protection and frankly the front vs. back won't deter predators, they'll come regardless.

 

[Kerr]

We put ours near our evergreens to provide protection in the winter - also provides shade

and you know....when the chicken hawks come screeching around.....the peeps just all hide under the trees until they fly by....

Not once has a chicken hawk even attempted to swoop down into those prickly trees

*** touch wood ***

Ours is about 1/2 an acre away from our house...so not that far - but far enough

Our dogs roam around so the coyotes have never crossed the creek either