Coop Setup? Food, shavings..etc.

[Cattle dog Mom]

That run is NOT "predator proof". Raccoons have no problem opening latches like that. And where is the ventilation?

 

[Cattle dog Mom]

Uh oh?! Why scary?!

Because pre fab coops/runs are generally very poorly built. (THAT is why they are cheap.) Cheap materials that don't last, now where NEAR enough ventilation. If you are just looking for something to "get by" for a little while while you build something else. It would probably be fine. But not long term. It just won't last. It also isn't predator proof. Not with those latches. They also aren't big enough for the number of birds they claim. Unless you WANT to pack them in like sardines. The ramp is also really steep and you can't easily make less steep since space is so limited. (And reading the Q&A just makes me angry. LOL)

 

[U_Stormcrow]

I don't know how handy you are, what tools may be available, or what you might have for moving things round (or even what time you might have for construction), but since you mentioned a chicken tractor, have you considered just building a lightweight "hoop coop"? or take inspiration from this?

 

[AmberNate]

That run is NOT "predator proof". Raccoons have no problem opening latches like that. And where is the ventilation?

I planned on make alterations to the lock and making it more predator proof. Do you have a photo of an example of what a good coop/run looks like for 4 hens you could share?

 

[3KillerBs]

I don't have a coop yet! I'm ordering it this week and will have it soon

Before you order anything, you need to be aware that almost all prefab coops claim wildly exaggerated numbers as to how many chicken they suit and some are entirely unsuited for chickens at all.

First rule of thumb: If it looks like a dollhouse it's only suitable for toy chickens.

The usual guidelines for each adult, standard-sized bird are:

4 square feet in the coop
10 square feet in the run
1 linear foot of roost
1 square foot of permanent, 24/7/365 ventilation.

My break's over so I have to go, but look carefully at my coop page that I linked. That's a coop for 4 chickens.

Be very careful before you hit "BUY"....lots of bad coop designs out there.
Most prefabs are way to small with not enough ventilation.

This cannot be emphasized too much!

 

[U_Stormcrow]

Based on the offered dimensions, the commonly accepted "thumb rules" size that coop for 2 birds, except ventilation, which is inadequate even for that.

 

[AmberNate]

Before you order anything, you need to be aware that almost all prefab coops claim wildly exaggerated numbers as to how many chicken they suit and some are entirely unsuited for chickens at all.

First rule of thumb: If it looks like a dollhouse it's only suitable for toy chickens.

The usual guidelines for each adult, standard-sized bird are:

4 square feet in the coop
10 square feet in the run
1 linear foot of roost
1 square foot of permanent, 24/7/365 ventilation.

My break's over so I have to go, but look carefully at my coop page that I linked. That's a coop for 4 chickens.



This cannot be emphasized too much!

Good to know! Thank you!

 

[BleuSaphir]

I like yellow straw. Hens don't eat it.

Yellow straw is my favorite bedding especially for nesting material!

 

[gimmie birdies]

So cute when a hen makes a nest bowl and puts a piece of straw on her back.

 

[black_cat]

I have 4 Easter Eggers. This is the coop I’m leaning towards from Tractor Supply. I will have another separate, larger run as well that will be mobile that I’ll put them in from time to time to forage.

Too small, and likely poorly built.