expecting 5 new babies

[natgraf]

Hi there chicken enthusiasts! I live in PA, have 3 young children (6,3,1), and I just did something wacky.... ordered 5 day old chicks... I've done lots of reading, feel confident in the initial stages, but I"m having trouble formulating my coop and run plan. We have a side yard that's about 150 sq feet. I want to have a small coop, and then use my existing fence at the side yard (bordered by 1/2 inch mesh fence), to make the run.

For the run... if I have at least 10 sq feet per bird, which I will, and it will be predator proof at all times, do I need a coop that's 4 sq ft per bird? Even though they will have the ability to go in and out of the coop into the run as they please?

 

[Yorkshire Coop]

Hi

Glad you could join us here! I'm sure you will do great with your new chicks! How exciting for you and your children How much space chickens need can be a differing thing for people. Giving them as much room as you can is always best. Have a read of the is article ~ https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/how-much-room-do-chickens-need

The coop section also has some fab plans ~ https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/2/Coop_Designs

Wishing you the very best of luck on your new adventure. Be sure to ask all the questions you need to, everyone here to help.

Enjoy BYC

 

[Chicken Egg 17]

Hi and welcome to BYC I am glad you could join us. Please make yourself at home and if you ever need anything I and many others are here to help.

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC. Y/coop has given you some good links already, so i will just say hi and welcome

All the best
CT

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!

 

[ChickenLover200]

Congrats on your new chicks!

 

[natgraf]

thank you!

 

[natgraf]

are there any useful posts or specific resources you'd recommend for people who have small children and chickens? There are two reasons why my chickens can't be completely "free range". the first, I don't want poop all over where the children play in the back yard, and 2, we have a dog, and until I know exactly how that's going to work, the chickens can't go free.

 

[Cluckcluck1215]

Rite rules on the side of the box for the kids and tell them to be care ful,good luck!

 

[drumstick diva]

If you live in a temperate area that doesn't have extreme weather swings - you may be able to get by with a smaller coop because the chickens will spend most of their time outside. BUT, chickens hate being crowded and react in bad ways. If the can't have a big enough coop, it would be best to cut down on the numbers of birds you will house.