Coop placement

[SourRoses]

All great replies here.

The only thing I can think to add is that location 1 on your map seems dreadfully close to the neighbors. I'd avoid putting the coop closer to someone else's house than you're willing to put it to your own.

Trees are the best thing ever, but small trees don't do much. So wherever you put them, make sure it is compatible with adding some shade cloth... Or a trellis with vines overhead, something.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I should have mentioned I don't know what direction to face the windows? Severe storms come from SW, generally.

Personally I wouldn't face any windows SW then. Having them on the other 3 sides should be fine. I don't like having to worry about windows facing predominant wind/storm directions so easier to just do without.

 

[Beaker99]

Good post.

My main criteria is drainage. Some of that may depend in your soil type, sand drains better than clay. If water drains away from the area you should be OK. If water drains to the area and especially stands it will almost certainly stink at some point and can be unhealthy, let alone a wet muddy mess to work in.

Why do you consider the south side the best place to put your window? When I was in Northwest Arkansas I had one regular window on my 8' x 12' coop. It was on the north side. I'm mainly interested in why you think the south side is a must.

To me drainage is the one issue that can be really hard to fix. Anything else can be managed. If drainage is equal, my next criteria in location is convenience to you. Where are you going to store feed and where will you get water? In Missouri you will have weather that the chickens can pretty much be outside every day of the year, very few exceptions. You will see some freezing weather and maybe some snow so think about the water issue. You will probably be going out there at least twice a day, sometimes in the dark to feed, water, and collect eggs, probably lock them up at night and let them out in the morning. Will you be wading through running water if it is raining. Do you plan to run electricity out there? If they are loud, would the noise bother you?

Sinking is not something I considered. Good point.
I was not considering a South window. Just wanted to be clear on frequency, duration and direction of storms.
And yes, I plan on letting them out year round.
Thanks!