Custom Built Coop And New To Chickens

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STWallace

STWallace

Hatching
Aug 6, 2015
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So my pops and I have built a coop (90% done). I will be going to the local feed store tomorrow when they get a bunch of new chicks and will be picking out 4 chicks to bring home for the family. I live in the SF Bay Area (East Bay). I have already got most of the necessities for the chicks last week and just a few minor tasks left to do on the coop. I do have a couple of questions...

- I want to start them in the coop since I don't have any chickens yet. any issues other than making it draft free and watching the temp?

- Should I limit them to not be able to move freely from the coop into the run? Just the coop?

- Can I start them out with the water nipple system (I have yet to make)?


As soon as I can figure out how to post a picture I will post some of the coop.

Thanks,
 
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Welcome to BYC! And that is an awesome coop!
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Chicks can be delicate little things, over-heating easily and catching a chill easily. Before a week of age it may be wise to raise them in a large box inside. Once they become lively and learn how to go up and down the ramp then you can introduce them outside. At a week of age the brooder/coop should have a hot spot of a consistent 87-92 F. If you decide to keep them in the coop from day one, I would suggest keeping them out of the run until they are strong enough not to fall off the ramp and injure themselves. Make sure they learn how to use the nipples and can easily reach it.

Best of luck! Feel free to ask any other questions.
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YES Big issue - the chicken wire will only keep chickens IN, it does nothing to keep predators OUT. To prevent a lot of heartache, please use 1/2" hardware cloth instead - firmly attached to the framing - not with plastic ties. It costs more, holds up much longer and cannot be destroyed easily like poultry wire.

Otherwise coop is beautiful. The concrete base is a big plus
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. I've been told in some areas home owners insurance can be voided if a chicken coop is attached or too close to living quarters. I think because of fire risk. You may want to check that.


Hope you will post pictures of the chicks
 
Thanks for the information! So the chicken wire won't keep predators out? The only thing I ever see around my yard is a siamese cat. Haven't even seen a coon for about 5 years now... It took me a while to figure out where to put the coop. Against the house was my last resort just due to spacing in my yard. I poured the slab for easier clean up plus in the future I can just use it to place a bench and flowers on when (if) we no longer have chickens.

Once the chickens get a little older is there any reason to put a door to on the entrance to the coop from the run? As of now it's just an open entry way.

So wish me luck, after work I'll be going to the feed store and checking for some baby chicks with my daughter!! I will most likely keep them in my garage then for a few weeks and just move them to the coop once I'm confident I can manage the temp.

Thanks again for all the support! Chick pics soon to come!
 
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x2 on Drumstick Diva's advice. I would change the chicken wire to 1/4 inch hardware cloth (very strong mesh wire). I also live in a residential neighborhood and I've had red tailed hawks, a falcon, and raccoons try to get my chickens. Not to mention my neighbor's darn dog who tried his hardest to get into my coop, damaging the door but not able to get to the chickens thru the hardware cloth.
 
In addition to the hardware cloth recommendation which I agree with. I noticed you have the extension cord going in under through the nesting box door. Is that securely latched? Critter can and will get in that way if it is not.
 

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