Getting my chicks in July, and I'm in Bradenton. Planning on a small coop, pre-made, that I will attach handles to so I can move it around my large backyard. Also going to repurpose two XXL dog crates from my days of breeding dobies, to create a large run, since the prefab run is way too small in my opinion. Looking forward to their arrival, and going to get everything ready before they arrive. New to chicken keeping, but not new to birds, I've had many since I was a child. Nice to meet all of you!
Hi fellow Floridian!
It's so exciting! Is the July date based on your preference or on seller availability? What breeds are you getting?
![Big Grin :D :D](/styles/byc-smilies/big_smile.png)
If you haven't bought it yet, please consider building your own. The prefabs come with problems including inadequate ventilation for any climate - but especially for Florida. The structures are short on the inside so once you cut out the necessary *feet* of ventilation up at the top where it should be, the roosts are then on a level with the vents which can allow them to get wet in storms with blowing rain, or too drafty on our few cold days.
The prefab coops are all too small for more than 2-3 hens. No matter what they say it can house.
The materials are also thin and often don't hold up.
On the other hand, if you build your own, an open-air coop design is perfect for our climate and keeps the birds much happier. The cost is about the same for a bigger, better result.
If you head on over to the Coops section of the forum - https://www.backyardchickens.com/forums/coop-run-design-construction-maintenance.9/ - there are lots of experienced folks ready to help hash out designs.