Coop placement

[j3ni]

I’m not completely new to chickens, but I have moved to Eden NC and I’m not sure how to place my new chicken coop and run. Which would be the best direction in which to place said coop? All aspects of yard get morning sun as it faces East, but there is no wind protection at all and it can be very windy as we are a corner lot. Very rough sketch. No other shrubbery yet

 

[David61]

Coop starting on the corner of garage with run going to the back of the lot. Garage can give some afternoon sun block and north wind as well. If you cover the north side of the coop against cold winds the south face is open to the yard and you can see in. Supplies and tools are close if kept in the garage. Works for me.

 

[j3ni]

Thanks.

 

[IamRainey]

So hard to assess all the environmental issues from a flat overhead drawing. But could you put a wall or some sort of baffle on the side that needs wind protection?

You would also have the option of planting a hedge or trees (that would need time to grow, of course) to provide shade and wind protection. IF that's an option you could place the coop and run where they fit best in terms of convenience and aesthetics.

Also, IF your coop and run aren't built yet, deep overhangs would provide good shade and also offer an opportunity to hang a tarp if that met an occasional rather than an ongoing need.

 

[Ridgerunner]

My main criteria is drainage. If the area is in a wet spot where water drains to it you will almost certainly regret it, coop or run. If it stays dry and water drains away you can handle everything else.

 

[Building Bridges]

Coop starting on the corner of garage with run going to the back of the lot. Garage can give some afternoon sun block and north wind as well. If you cover the north side of the coop against cold winds the south face is open to the yard and you can see in. Supplies and tools are close if kept in the garage. Works for me.

Wow that's an excellent suggestion.....answers all the concerns.

 

[David61]

My main criteria is drainage. If the area is in a wet spot where water drains to it you will almost certainly regret it, coop or run. If it stays dry and water drains away you can handle everything else.

Tell me about it. It took me longer to correct my drainage than to build my coop and run. I had to bring in dirt and put in drains.
Only place in could put it so....

 

[Lizzy733]

1: Soil Drainage, standing water 2. Protection from Wind\Driving Rains 3. Accessibility
The lot seems small from the picture; be mindful of your neighbors and the potential noise the chickens will make. Try to avoid putting it too close to a neighboring house - particularly bedrooms - so everyone stays happy. Other things such as drainage don't have to be a deal-breaker if you are willing to get to work fixing soil issues or digging in drainage channels. Since your plot is windy, you'll need to find out which directions are most prevalent and plan accordingly - particularly for keeping the coop dry when it is raining horizontally. Also, coop construction in windy conditions... make sure to use sturdy materials and check for damage regularly, particularly to the run, if you have one.
Sometimes I wonder how our house is still standing with the kind of winds we get where I am.

 

[j3ni]

I have 1/2 acre and the nearest neighbors are at least an 100’ away from the house. I can put up some wind protection. The run and coop are all in one and are being built.

 

[Building Bridges]

I have 1/2 acre and the nearest neighbors are at least an 100’ away from the house. I can put up some wind protection. The run and coop are all in one and are being built.

My son and his family moved to N C in 2016 (from Ohio) and they love it there. Such great weather!! It sounds like your new home is going to be perfect for you and your flock! Wishing you happiness in your new home!