coop too close to the house?- updated to add pics.

[libbyhan]

Just got our 4 babies today- maybe 2 more in a week. So excited!!

My husband is building the coop as I type. He's got a 4X5 foot print and a shed roof.... raised off the ground about 2.5 feet. We will attach a nice long run about 10-14 feet out an 4 feet wide. That seems like enough for 6 hens. Am I right? They will free range 2-4 hours per day.

The thing is- my husband is putting the coop really close to the house- pretty much next to the door from the walk-out basement. The run will head in the other direction, of course, but paralell to the house. There's only a tiny backyard in this house. Our acre is all in front. The backyard is fenced for the dogs and the chickens will practice free ranging out there before being allowed on the rest of the property.

Come winter, I will be pumped to have them this close (we live in MA). And, there's an outlet and water like 5 feet away. He's putting the legs on cinder blocks.

So, with 6 chickens tucked away in our back yard- are we going to smell them terribly? My husband is the MAN for buidling me this coop

since he's not totally sold on the chicken thing. If it's not worth mentioning, then I will not bring it up. But, will we regret this coop this close? There is a bathroom window 1 story above where the coop will be.

Thanks for any advice. If it wasn't for lurking on this forum, I wouldn't have gotten these little fuzz butts.

Edited to add pics (I hope!)

The site of the future run- long and skinny

The backyard

 

[PhilErvin]

Sounds like you are limited as to where to build this so I would go with what you have started. If in the future you feel this is a bad location you can make adjustments. You might want to clean the coop and run more often if the smell gets to you or keep certain windows closed . We enjoy watching our girls and I'm sure you will enjoy the benefit of having them right outside your window. You will rest easily at night knowing that they are safer in the back yard as it is secure. Plus, like you said you will be glad when the snow is on the ground that you don't have to go far to collect your eggs or feed or whatever else you will be doing. Your run sounds sufficient.
Good Luck and welcome to this addiction.

 

[patnjess]

Nope that should be fine, with regular clean ups it won't be bad, in the summer as well as dusting the hens with DE, I have found sprinkling it cuts down on the smell too!