First timer!

[Lindy R]

Do NOT buy a pre fab coup unless you only want 2-3 hens. And bantams would be a better bird for them. They say they hold 6 birds but they don’t.

To me a walk in shed is best.

Mrs K

OK! Good to know. I don’t want more than 3 hens.

 

[-Chanticleer-]

OK! Good to know. I don’t want more than 3 hens.

You could get a pre made coop they are just really small.

 

[Mrs. K]

@ Lindy R - that is what we all say...then there is the disease called chicken math...yep BEWARE!

 

[My Very First 6 Chickens]

Welcome to BYC! Hopefully, you are still in the research phase and don't have any chickens just yet. Spend some time here, read, read, read, ask questions (people are very helpful here) and you will be well equipped for when you are ready to bring them in.

This

 

[My Very First 6 Chickens]

You could get a pre made coop they are just really small.

Not only small, but seem to be ill ventilated as well. Appropriate ventilation is necessary for a healthy flock. (Understatement) Good luck to you and welcome to BYC. This is a wonderful community of people that really know their chickens!

 

[My Very First 6 Chickens]

@ Lindy R - that is what we all say...then there is the disease called chicken math...yep BEWARE!

Disease' lmao

 

[rosemarythyme]

You could get a pre made coop they are just really small.

And often need a lot of supplemental work - adding extra ventilation, moving roosts, reinforcement of locks. They can be used but many are so poorly designed that you should plan on posting a link to whatever you're considering so we can pick it apart before you make an investment.

Also none of them seem to come with a run of any usable size, so you will still need to build or buy a run, or plan on free ranging all the time.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Hi, welcome to the forum from Louisiana. Glad you joined.

Hello! I’m not sure this is the appropriate place to post but I have decided to house some hens in my backyard! I’ve checked the town ordinance and all is well. Just wondering what comes next?

You are going to get a lot of questions and will have to make decisions.

You have decided on three hens max. Will you be getting baby chicks and raising them or buying them already mostly grown? There are advantages and disadvantages to both. With baby chicks you have to raise them, which means getting some stuff you will never use again. Sometimes you can wind up with male chickens. Some people like to bond with their chicks so getting chicks is best for that. Older chickens cost more but you don't have to raise them and you can be sure of their sex.

You need to get your coop and run. Don't get a prefab coop until you have posted a link to it and we critique it for you. We need to know whare you are so we know what climate you have for that critique. Some prefab coops aren't horrible but a lot are not designed for chickens. Poor roosts, poor ventilation, too many nests taking up space, just lots of possible issues. Some are decent quality, some are not.

You need to locate where the coop and run go in your yard. As Aart mentioned, some county, city, town, or HMO ordinances or regulations have restrictions on where they can go. Distance from property lines, such as that. Also, look at your drainage. You want a place that stays dry, not where water stands. If water stands you will have problems.

Get everything finished and ready before you get chickens.

 

[Lindy R]

Are there any restrictions to size and location?


Plan the design of your coop.
Lots to consider.
Number of birds to determine space needed, ventilation that works in all seasons.

Oh, and......
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, and then it's always there!
View attachment 3564695

Thank you!! For some reason I can’t figure out how to submit my info into my profile! Even with the awesome instructions! I am in Lancaster, PA.

@ Lindy R - that is what we all say...then there is the disease called chicken math...yep BEWARE!

 

[Luce50]

Do NOT buy a pre fab coup unless you only want 2-3 hens. And bantams would be a better bird for them. They say they hold 6 birds but they don’t.

To me a walk in shed is best.

Mrs K

Well I have purchased two prefabricated coops from TSC and they have been great I use the smaller one as a hospital quarantine a walk in shed would be way too big most city ordinances only allow for five to six hens no roosters