Do I really need a full on coop?

[BarnChick]

I am just starting out in the chicken raising trend and have very limited space. My landlord at the house I rent has ok'd me to have a few chickens. He's so nice that he even offered up the supplies to fence them and a roosting box with six slots. He's awesome.
So my question is, do I really need a full house type coop or can I just use the roosting boxes and a lean to type covering? If I don't do a full coop, will they die, or do I just bring them in for the night for awhile?
We live in an area that is about 65 during the day right now and around 40 at night. Sometimes a little cooler during night.
Thanks

 

[ravenzero]

Well, how bad are your winter months? That may factor into how much "coop" you need.

Also, any predators in your area? Foxes, Racoons, Dogs, and Hawks can take out your chickens, so a coop is also for thier safety.

Something to think about

 

[Egghead_Jr]

If your area is those temps now then you get a good winter. You'll need an enclosed structure for winter.

As for a lean too structure for now that's all well and good but you'll need good wire to keep the night predators out. It all points to wanting an enclosed structure with a door for night time roosting. Those boxes are nesting boxes for laying, you'll want to put a 2x2 or 2x4 (flat side) for them to roost on in coop.

 

[motoclown]

Quote:
Yes.

 

[schellie69]

Do you need a full coop
Yes but an old big dog house can work if you only have a few hens. I am using an old dog house that my brother built I added roost and 2 old milk crates cut at an angle for nest boxes. It has worked great for almost 2 years. I have a new bigger coop built just need to finish the run. You can make a simple easy coop If you want I can get pictures of my dog house/coop.

 

[WhetzelMomma]

The coop isn't for keeping your chickens warm as much as it is keeping them safe from predators. Especially at night. When chickens roost, they are pretty defenseless. They don't run, and they don't really fight back if you pick them up. Even if you wouldn't be able to catch them during the day. I've worked at a zoo that had chickens loose in the village area, and they just roosted on fences... our temps were about like yours. They did fine as long as nothing grabbed them off the fence at night. If I were you, I'd figure out a way to provide at the very least, a secure night area. My chickens free range during the day, so the run part of my hen house isn't as big as it would have to be if they lived there all the time.

 

[BarnChick]

thanks for all the responses so far. I guess I should add that it will be fenced and I will have some protection of some sort over the top to keep flying predators out. We do have a lot of skunks. I, however, don't plan on being here this winter as I am hoping to move to idaho and set up a permanent residence for us and the chickens. so this would be temporary for maybe 3-5 months, tops.

 

[Bengalcats1]

It does sound like you will get Very cold winters so Yes you need an enclosed coop and don't forget you don't want anything TO small because in the winter they spend a lot of time in their coop.