Good chicken coop for 10 or more chickens

[WingItRanch]

Also, do you have any good recommendations for good free ranging chickens that are good around kids and docile? I was looking at Buff Orpingtons, Cochins, Wyandotte's, Brahmas? Thank you

Do you think you'll have a problem with predators? If so, the breeds that are best at predator evasion are typically more flighty and less docile.

If not, I know Orpingtons seem to be a favorite for families.

It also depends on your location/climate and what you want out of your chickens. Will they be primarily pets? Specifically for eggs? Meat?

 

[Jesus loves me]

Do you think you'll have a problem with predators? If so, the breeds that are best at predator evasion are typically more flighty and less docile.

If not, I know Orpingtons seem to be a favorite for families.

It also depends on your location/climate and what you want out of your chickens. Will they be primarily pets? Specifically for eggs? Meat?

Sometimes have problems with predators but it has been a lot better with having our dog outside scaring them away and would lock them up before dark. Do you know a good chicken breed that is good at protecting their flock? It can be pretty hot in the summers but can also get very cold in the winters. Probably just for the eggs. Thank you!

 

[WingItRanch]

Sometimes have problems with predators but it has been a lot better with having our dog outside scaring them away and would lock them up before dark. Do you know a good chicken breed that is good at protecting their flock? It can be pretty hot in the summers but can also get very cold in the winters. Probably just for the eggs. Thank you!

Chickens are prey animals so they won't truly protect each other. You could get a rooster but most won't actually fight off an attack. They will call out a warning if they see a predator to give a chance for the flock to hide. If you have small kids and are just starting out with chickens, I'd recommend sticking to an all female flock first. Roosters can be human aggressive and can seriously injure small kids. It also can take the fun out of handling the chickens if you always have to watch your back for a rooster surprise attack. Not all are aggressive but young ones can have raging hormones.

If you have a guardian dog and will lock them up at night, you shouldn't have too many issues. Do your research on the egg laying capabilities, temperament, overall health of the different breeds. Personally, I have 6 different breeds in my flock because I couldn't decide. All the same age and raised together.

I bet the kids would like Easter Eggers. They're mixes and are generally healthier than high production breeds. They also are fun because you never know what they'll look like or what color eggs you'll get. Mine lay blue and green eggs.

 

[Jesus loves me]

Chickens are prey animals so they won't truly protect each other. You could get a rooster but most won't actually fight off an attack. They will call out a warning if they see a predator to give a chance for the flock to hide. If you have small kids and are just starting out with chickens, I'd recommend sticking to an all female flock first. Roosters can be human aggressive and can seriously injure small kids. It also can take the fun out of handling the chickens if you always have to watch your back for a rooster surprise attack. Not all are aggressive but young ones can have raging hormones.

If you have a guardian dog and will lock them up at night, you shouldn't have too many issues. Do your research on the egg laying capabilities, temperament, overall health of the different breeds. Personally, I have 6 different breeds in my flock because I couldn't decide. All the same age and raised together.

I bet the kids would like Easter Eggers. They're mixes and are generally healthier than high production breeds. They also are fun because you never know what they'll look like or what color eggs you'll get. Mine lay blue and green eggs.

Thanks for the information! I was planning on getting a Buff Orpington rooster to go with the hens. When I researched them, they said that they are friendly and docile and can be somewhat protective of their flock, I will see how it goes. If not, I will probably just keep them in a chicken run, but it would be nice if I could let them free range! Thank you! Yes, the Easter Eggers sound like very nice chickens I will look into it more!

 

[BigBlueHen53]

It can be very frustrating to try to get your chickens to go into the coop at night "before dark." They will instinctively put themselves in the coop at or around dark on their own, but you'll need to keep an eye on them around dusk when the predators may be out and about. If you can provide a nice big, safe run with an attached coop, this can provide them with the best of both worlds - a large area that's almost like free ranging while still protecting them from predators.

 

[Nym]

Thanks for the information! I was planning on getting a Buff Orpington rooster to go with the hens. When I researched them, they said that they are friendly and docile and can be somewhat protective of their flock, I will see how it goes. If not, I will probably just keep them in a chicken run, but it would be nice if I could let them free range! Thank you! Yes, the Easter Eggers sound like very nice chickens I will look into it more!

I don't think any breed of rooster can be termed docile until it has proven itself to be so. I recommend getting a mature rooster that doesn't have a crime sheet. Do a search on BYC for: rooster attack. It's no fun being around a mean roo, especially if you have children.

 

[WingItRanch]

It can be very frustrating to try to get your chickens to go into the coop at night "before dark." They will instinctively put themselves in the coop at or around dark on their own, but you'll need to keep an eye on them around dusk when the predators may be out and about. If you can provide a nice big, safe run with an attached coop, this can provide them with the best of both worlds - a large area that's almost like free ranging while still protecting them from predators.

This is what I do. I have a large coop and run that's fully predator proof. I also have a chicken tractor that I use for "field trips" so they can forage but be protected. I live in an area with a large amount and variety of predators.

@Jesus loves me One more thing to add... some predators hunt during the day. Like hawks, foxes, dogs.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

I've had so many loose dogs around here lately I haven't been able to free range in over a week.

 

[Jesus loves me]

This is what I do. I have a large coop and run that's fully predator proof. I also have a chicken tractor that I use for "field trips" so they can forage but be protected. I live in an area with a large amount and variety of predators.

@Jesus loves me One more thing to add... some predators hunt during the day. Like hawks, foxes, dogs.

Okay, where did you get you coop and run from? Or did you make it yourself? We have free ranging Guinea Hens that we have had for 3 years and have had no problem with hawks we did have something kill off a couple of them this year during the night because they did not go inside. Thank you for all the helpful information!

 

[WingItRanch]

Okay, where did you get you coop and run from? Or did you make it yourself? We have free ranging Guinea Hens that we have had for 3 years and have had no problem with hawks we did have something kill off a couple of them this year during the night because they did not go inside. Thank you for all the helpful information!

I built mine myself because typically the prefab coops/runs are cheaply made and super expensive. There are some great build plans on BYC for you to browse. A lot of people even provide free plans.

Good luck!!