Heidi Greenbaum

[Heidi Greenbaum]

any advice on the best coop to buy? I know I want to be able to free range so I want wheels, 4-5 chickens are all I want to handle being a beginner. I own an acre of land so I have ample space.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Tractors can work but they may not be optimal in many situations. Is it 1 acre of flat land? Problem with tractors is they work best on flat surfaces, otherwise it's difficult to predator proof around the perimeter. Are you in a climate with mild winters so that moving it around all year won't be an issue?

 

[mowin]

Most pre manufactured coops are not built well, and with poor quality materials. They often claim to hold double or triple the amount of chickens then they actually do. The ventilation, if there is any, is not enough, or not in the proper places.

On a acre, I'd choose a coop and run over a tractor.

If you're handy at all, I suggest building from scratch, or looking for a used shed to convert.

 

[perkolator]

I'd suggest you start here and gather inspiration to figure out what you want: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/categories/chicken-coops.12/

I have a little more than an acre and I went for stationary coop, mainly due to predators....also because I know I'd be lazy and not want to move the tractor regularly

 

[3KillerBs]

Welcome to BYC.

Where, in general, are you? If you put your location into your profile people can give better-targeted advice when climate matters and housing is one of those times it matters.

Here's some general information for you:

The Usual Guidelines

For each adult, standard-sized hen you need:

• 4 square feet in the coop (.37 square meters)
• 10 square feet in the run (.93 square meters),
• 1 linear foot of roost (.3 meters),
• 1/4 of a nest box,
• And 1 square foot (.09 square meters) of permanent, 24/7/365 ventilation, preferably located over the birds' heads when they're sitting on the roost.

4 hens

• 16 square feet in the coop. 4'x4' is the only really practical build for this given the common dimensions of lumber.
• 4 feet of roost
• 40 square feet in the run. 4'x10' or 5'x8'. 6'x6' is a bit too small, 6'x8' is more generous and easier to build than 5'x8'.
• 4 square feet of ventilation. A 2'x2' window is theoretically enough, but in practice doesn't create any air FLOW so better to spread the venting around (and even better to exceed the minimums, especially in warm climates).
• 2 nest boxes, to give the hens a choice

6 hens

• 24 square feet in the coop. 4'x6' is the only really practical build for this given the common dimensions of lumber. If you can't walk into it, put the access door in the middle of the long side to make sure you can reach all areas of the coop because a stubborn chicken WILL press itself into/lay an egg in the back corner where you can't reach.
• 6 feet of roost
• 60 square feet in the run. 6'x10' or 8'x8'.
• 6 square feet of ventilation.
• 2 nest boxes, to give the hens a choice

What level of DIY skills do you have or have access to among family and friends who might be able to help you?

Unfortunately, as others have said, prefab coops are always too small for number of chickens they claim to hold (which is based on minimums for commercial birds), and badly ventilated. Also, with only a few exceptions, the majority are cheaply made.

If your DIY skills are limited the easiest coop builds are shed conversions and hoop coop. Here are some links to help you get started:

Repecka Illustrates Coop Ventilation

Small Coops

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/the-little-monitor-coop.76275/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/dallas-urban-coop-single-slope-design.72422/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/yakisugi-coop.76398/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/coreys-coop-de-doop.55619/

Shed Conversions

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/the-mulligan.74743/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/aarts-coop-page.65912/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/the-scoop-on-a-rubbermaid-big-max-coop.76444/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/toy-shed-conversion.64879/

Hoop Coops

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/hoop-tractor.69336/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/hoop-coop-brooder-with-roll-up-sides.75720/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/the-biddie-bordello-a-hoop-coop-run-combo.72189/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/permanent-hoop-coop-guide.47818/