Coop/run location?

[Mitnoswal]

I am new to having chickens. I am starting to build my coop/run. The spot that I want to put it is shaded most of the day, is this ok? Possible problems?

 

[boskelli1571]

I am new to having chickens. I am starting to build my coop/run. The spot that I want to put it is shaded most of the day, is this ok? Possible problems?

Chickens like sun too! Is the area damp/wet/cold? Could lead to resp. problems. How wet is it in winter months? Again, resp problems and maybe foot problems if they are walking in wetness. Is it under trees? Perfect spot for hawks unless you cover the run.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Hi, welcome to the forum, glad you joined.

Don't know where you are located so don't know what kind of weather you may be facing. If you modify your profile to include a general location that info is always available. It does help with a lot of questions. Heat is often more of an enemy than cold weather, they can't take off their down coats. Shade is often a very good thing. Depending in your climate, shaded most of the day is probably a good thing.

My main consideration with location is drainage. How well does the area drain? If water drains to that location and especially if it stands there you will usually have problems. If it stays relatively dry it's usually a good location. To me that's much more important than sunny or shady. If you are not in a shady spot you can add something to provide shade.

 

[Mitnoswal]

Hi, welcome to the forum, glad you joined.

Don't know where you are located so don't know what kind of weather you may be facing. If you modify your profile to include a general location that info is always available. It does help with a lot of questions. Heat is often more of an enemy than cold weather, they can't take off their down coats. Shade is often a very good thing. Depending in your climate, shaded most of the day is probably a good thing.

My main consideration with location is drainage. How well does the area drain? If water drains to that location and especially if it stands there you will usually have problems. If it stays relatively dry it's usually a good location. To me that's much more important than sunny or shady. If you are not in a shady spot you can add something to provide shade.

I am about 30 miles north of Birmingham AL. The spot is high and dry. Just not much direct sunlight. Lots of shade from hardwoods mostly oaks.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Sounds perfect to me.

 

[Mitnoswal]

Chickens like sun too! Is the area damp/wet/cold? Could lead to resp. problems. How wet is it in winter months? Again, resp problems and maybe foot problems if they are walking in wetness. Is it under trees? Perfect spot for hawks unless you cover the run.

Area is high and dry, no dampness at all. I live 30 miles north of Birmingham AL so mild winters. It is shaded by big hardwoods and the coop/run will be covered. My only concern is the lack of direct sunlight.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Shade is a much better choice than full sun - my run has both shaded and sunny areas, and the chickens definitely prefer the shade most of the time. Plus elevated with no drainage issue is perfect.