Greetings from SE Louisiana

[ChickieMama2B]

Lurked on here for a few years, till I finally joined about 4-5 years ago. Things got crazy and I'm finally back only I've forgotten most everything I learned. looking forward to getting chickens hopefully by this next year.
Getting ready to set up the run and I can't remember how far apart to put the inner and outer fence. We have plenty of predators in our area and don't want to lose any more than necessary. Also, hoping to find some tips on where to find a good size pre-built coop. I'd rather not have to build my own, but I guess I'll do it if I have to. Lol
We plan to end up keeping about a dozen in all.
I know the answer to my question is somewhere, I'm just having the darndest time finding it and I'll be honest I'm getting a bit frustrated trying to find it.

 

[drumstick diva]

I've not been in your situation but, I've read often that pre -built coops are often cheaply made- with claims that they can hold many more birds than what would be humanely possible.

 

[Meg-in-MT]

Hello! Welcome back to activity at BYC!! Best of luck establishing your new flock. Just like riding a bike

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome back to BYC! Nice to meet you.
Get a shed instead of a pre-fab coop. You'll get way more bang for your buck.

 

[janiedoe]

Welcome to BYC!

 

[DucksAreBest]

Hello, welcome back to activity on BackYard Chickens.

 

[50-45-1]

Hi and glad you joined us.
Agree the prefab coops are not a good option especially I if your plan is a dozen birds.
Here in Michigan we have an Amish community that builds pretty substantial quality coops. And arranges delivery.
Not sure what you have avaliable where you are.
Good luck! And welcome to the backyard!

 

[CLSranch]

Howdy and welcome back. I like Dobie Lover's idea of the shed as a coop. Then you can build a run. With a divider in the middle you can also have it as the feed room.

We have plenty of predators in our area and don't want to lose any more than necessary

Good to know ahead of time. And you can start trapping before you get the chickens, at least the smaller ones like coons and opossums. I believe trapping season is over if you don't have livestock to protect. It is allowed at any time if they are killing your livestock.

 

[CluckerFamily]

Welcome to BYC!!

 

[Lemon-Drop]

I've not been in your situation but, I've read often that pre -built coops are often cheaply made- with claims that they can hold many more birds than what would be humanely possible.

Yes, our first coop was pre built, said it would hold 12 chickens, better for 5 or so at max. We ended up building our own, much bigger coop.