Does this coop and run look ok?

[tpereira]

They are adorable! I think that you will find as they grow that coop will not be big enough for eight hens.

yeah, it’s been one of my concerns, sigh! Do you think the roosting area itself isn’t sufficient to hold 8? I’ll probably be popping on here again about researching to extend the coop. Not sure how to go about doing that. It may be easier to extend the back then the front. I may have to start thinking about this now. I live on Long Island so It’ll start getting cooler by the end of September.

 

[tpereira]

Are your plans to have this coop and run stationary or are you planning on moving it around?
If you are going to put hardware cloth around the run, you may want to think about also bringing some hardware cloth down and out over the grass about a foot or two. This will help some predators that like to dig. But if your plans are to move the coop around, this idea won't work.
I dug a little sod up and then laid the hardware cloth in the dirt and then recovered with the sod.

Yeah, it will stationary. I have put a predator apron around the perimeter of the coop and new extended run. Thanks!

 

[CluckerFamily]

I was also thinking that if you would extend the back, it would be doable. The extension could be where the roosts are. It would look so cute with an extended back but I also love the look of barns that have the different levels.

 

[TexasWineGuy]

More input:

Definitely need to use 1/2 hardware cloth on the entire run due to those evil raccoons.

Also, your coop is too small for 8 hens, regardless of what the "wrapper" says on that coop kit. You need a minimum of 4 sq/ft per hen in the coop, and minimum 10 sq/ft per hen in the run. IMO, that coop should only hold 3 hens.

Also, you need a LOT more ventilation in that coop. I had one (coop kit from that same company) almost exactly like that and, due to input from this site, had to do a LOT of work with regards to ventilation.

@aart - Can you point her to your "Ventilation" article?

I started just like you did: with a coop kit (that I quickly found out was FAR inferior to what is really needed, then I added a temporary run, while I was building THIS.

Good luck, but please consider a plan to upgrade.

Also, edit your profile so we know what part of the country/state you reside in.


TWG

 

[Spikeandbean]

Would the chickens be pecking around at night in the run, and not sleeping in the coop?

You never know who might end up snoozing outside for one reason or another. I'd say better safe than sorry.

 

[black_cat]

yeah, it’s been one of my concerns, sigh! Do you think the roosting area itself isn’t sufficient to hold 8? I’ll probably be popping on here again about researching to extend the coop. Not sure how to go about doing that. It may be easier to extend the back then the front. I may have to start thinking about this now. I live on Long Island so It’ll start getting cooler by the end of September.

Yes, i do think that the roosting area is too small for eight. What are the dimensions, both of the roosting area (not including nest boxes) and the run?

 

[Duck mommy 2019]

personally, since they are sleeping in it i would add a lot more protection. 1/4 hardware cloth across the whole run, and any windows or anything on the coop. also cover the top of the run with the hardware cloth, and the whole bottom. then cover the hardware cloth with grass and dirt so they do not get bumblefoot.

 

[tpereira]

You never know who might end up snoozing outside for one reason or another. I'd say better safe than sorry.

It’s my first time bringing up chickens so I don’t know that much. I 100% agree. I will be putting up the hardware cloth tomorrow. . thanks

 

[tpereira]

Yes, i do think that the roosting area is too small for eight. What are the dimensions, both of the roosting area (not including nest boxes) and the run?

I’m probably going to extend the back of the roost out maybe 2-3 more feet. right now the run is around 15’ x 3’ and the roost is 2.5’ x 3.5’.

 

[black_cat]

I’m probably going to extend the back of the roost out maybe 2-3 more feet. right now the run is around 15’ x 3’ and the roost is 2.5’ x 3.5’.

You will definitely need more space in the roosting area. Chickens are supposed to have at minimum 3 square feet each in the roosting space (usually called a 'coop' or 'henhouse' which is how I'm going to refer to it from now on), but preferably 5+ per bird. For 8 birds, you will need at minimum 24 square feet, preferably about 40 square feet. You currently have about 9 square feet, so at minimum 3 birds worth.