Having a coop vs not having a coop?

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.

 

Quote:agree they need a safe place.

 

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.

 

Quote:PS from Texas

 

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.

 

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.

 

& 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!!

 

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

 

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