Having a coop vs not having a coop?

[murphysmenagerie]

I am torn between the advantages vs disadvantages of building a chicken coop. It may sound silly and I admit that I am new but so far, my chickens have been lucky and sheltered in with my Alpacas or under the front deck where there is a lattice type covering on 3 sides. I don't really want to construct any more buildings than I have to (or can afford) and I do have a minicoop that I got from Orscheln's. I am afraid that if I confine them to an enclosed area that the older reds (New Hampshire and Rhode Island) will be agressive to the newer ones.? Also 2 are roosters (I think one is an Americauna and the other a Wyandotte) and am not sure how safe it would be to put them together and with all the chickens...? All of my animals are within close proximity of my house which I think helps and I also have a donkey to keep the coyotes away... Any thoughts?

 

[wava1vaughn]

Hi from Ga. You should provide the chickens with protection from the weather and predators. The chickens couldn't care less. The type of coop or structure is to please the human. They will be happy sleeping on the lamas back.

 

[hcppam]

Quote:
agree they need a safe place.

 

[mamawolf544]

I have breeding pens and my birds are only in them during breeding season. The rest of the time they free-range.

I keep 3 dogs outside on runs that more or less surround where everybody sleeps, if that makes sense. I have watched a coyote come up several times over the last 2 yrs and her cant get past my GP.

I used to keep everybody in pens, enclosed shelters and it is heartbreaking to see your pens destroyed, wires ripped up and your birds dead with no place to run.

I think it is a personal choice for everyone. My birds have shelter, shade, roosts. And I like to watch them all parade around the property.

 

[mamawolf544]

Quote:
PS

from Texas

 

[orpingtonbabies]

They need some sort of safe shelter... The only chickens I know of that don't have a coop are owned by a family friend who has game birds that are probably 4-5 generations in and have roosted in trees all their lives. Yet, he still loses them all the time. But they can't put them in a coop now. they would HATE confinement.

 

[karlamaria]

Not sure I would want chicken poop under my porch

a coop keeps them safe and sheltered they can run around all day but they need a home to sleep in and roost.

 

[NonnasBabies]

&

from Louisiana! It's a personel choice really. I like the fact that mine go to their coop & run every night and I close them up. But then again alot of people would say mine aren't protected since I use chicken wire and my coop is 3 sided!!

I think what works for you might not work for anyone else but it still doesn't mean it's the wrong thing to do!!

 

[4-H chicken mom]

and

from Ohio. So glad you joined. Good advice given.

 

[riverchicks]

Welcome to BYC!