Hey everyone. I'm new to chickens we just bought 6 chicks they are in a box I made in the garage with a heat lamp and all things they need. My concern is I need to build a coop but limited on space. I have a run about 15×6 and a tree in a very bad place. I don't want to cut the tree down but will If I have to. Need ideas on a coop in small area for 6 chicks. Any feedback would be great thank you
Hi and welcome to BYC - thanks for joining us. Take a look at this link - there should be a design that takes your fancy - https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/small-chicken-coop-designs-pictures-of-chicken-coops You'll find lots of info in the Learning Centre - https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/1/Learning_Center and if you have a specific topic in mind, just type it in the search box - there's a wealth of information on past and present threads. You may wish to consider joining your state thread as it will put you in touch with other BYC members in your area - https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/270925/find-your-states-thread#post_3239224 All the best CT
The coop is just where they sleep and lay eggs (nesting boxes). If they can free range during the day, the coop doesn't have to be very big.
This is only true if they will free range throughout the winter, i.e. every day. Whilst its good advice for peeps in Florida, for example, it may not be appropriate if the OP lives further north. It's no coincidence that the number of threads on feather pecking increases during the winter months.
Generally speaking, for large fowl breeds, you want to allow 4 square feet inside the coop per bird (and then space occupied by feed/water if you keep it inside) -- sure chickens can survive in less (after all, consider the horrid overcrowding in commercial laying houses), but overcrowding can lead to a whole host of issues. The more space you give them the more chance you have of not later having to deal with these issues. You could always build an elevated coop inside the run space -- the living quarters will provide cover within part of the run so that there is shade and, on poor weather days, protection from elements that might otherwise keep the birds inside.
If you live in an area of extremes in temperature (winter) or frequent storms, the chickens will want to spend more time inside the coop. If they are too crowded they can get cantankerous
G’Day from down under river bend Welcome! As you have already received links to some good starting points and some good advice, I will just wish you all the best. I hope you enjoy being a BYC member. There are lots of friendly and very helpful folks here so not only is it overflowing with useful information it is also a great place to make friends and have some fun. If you would like to share pictures and stories of your flock, you have come to the right place. BYC’ers never tire of these and do not back away slowly or commence eye rolling when the photo album or home videos come out
