Do apenzeller spitzhaubens need a coop?

[Cristinapocalypse]

Ok so to start I have NEVER owned chickens. Im trying to gather as much info as I can before building the enclosure for the 4 spitzhauben chicks I was given. Ive been reading a lot about how this breed likes its space and while I can't completely free range because of predators, I was thinking a large fenced run with a top and within the run a spot they could go under and do their nesting thing but overall no real coop so they could have more space. Does anyone do it like that? Is a coop a requirement?

 

[speedy2020]

Ok so to start I have NEVER owned chickens. Im trying to gather as much info as I can before building the enclosure for the 4 spitzhauben chicks I was given. Ive been reading a lot about how this breed likes its space and while I can't completely free range because of predators, I was thinking a large fenced run with a top and within the run a spot they could go under and do their nesting thing but overall no real coop so they could have more space. Does anyone do it like that? Is a coop a requirement?

All chickens don't need coop. The reasons we use coop to protect from predators and try to control them to meet our environment condition. The chicken will be fine to sleep on tree, fence, ground, etc...

 

[aart]

Is a coop a requirement?

Not if their roosts(where they sleep), their nests(where they lay eggs), and their feeder is protected from the weather. This applies to all breeds of chickens.

Welcome to BYC! @Cristinapocalypse
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, (laptop version shown), then it's always there!

 

[Cristinapocalypse]

Not if their roosts(where they sleep), their nests(where they lay eggs), and their feeder is protected from the weather. This applies to all breeds of chickens.

Welcome to BYC! @Cristinapocalypse
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, (laptop version shown), then it's always there!
View attachment 1798599

Oh ok I made the changes. Thank you for pointing it out. I live near montello nv in the middle of nowhere pretty much. We do get a good bit of snow so I was thinking of doing a section that's more sheltered than the rest for them to get out of the cold. I may just do a small coop after all within a large fenced area. That way I can keep it heated if need be in the coldest of winter. Thank you guys for the input

 

[aart]

Oh ok I made the changes. Thank you for pointing it out. I live near montello nv in the middle of nowhere pretty much. We do get a good bit of snow so I was thinking of doing a section that's more sheltered than the rest for them to get out of the cold. I may just do a small coop after all within a large fenced area. That way I can keep it heated if need be in the coldest of winter. Thank you guys for the input

Think about a large solid roof for shade and make it strong for snow load.
Solid wall panels for winter protection around 'coop' area.
You will not likely need heat, unless it's to keep waterer thawed, but you do need ventilation in winter coop area.

This search might help garner some ideas.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/search/62269785/?q=Hot+Weather+Coops&t=post&o=date&c[title_only]=1

 

[Cristinapocalypse]

Think about a large solid roof for shade and make it strong for snow load.
Solid wall panels for winter protection around 'coop' area.
You will not likely need heat, unless it's to keep waterer thawed, but you do need ventilation in winter coop area.

This search might help garner some ideas.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/search/62269785/?q=Hot+Weather+Coops&t=post&o=date&c[title_only]=1

Thank you very much!