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Hello everyone, We are from Texas

Discussion in 'New Member Introductions' started by fatherofclucks, Sep 30, 2015.

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  1. Sep 30, 2015 #1
    fatherofclucks

    fatherofclucks Hatching

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    We are attempting our first chicken coop. We are making it a 4x12 4' tall. Think I may have mad a mistake and would like your options on it, if you do not mind. I have a four nesting box on the outside in the middle. Two doors, one on each end for easy clean out. One vent on back wall that's 6' long by 8" high, and one in the front that's 8' long by 8" high, and a 4"x4" at the top of the gable on both sides. We are getting 8 Rhode Island Reds, 4 Ameraucanas. I was thinking about butting my perches on the opposite side of the nesting boxes on the south wall. I was thinking of putting a long 10' perch a foot off the bottom and a 6' perch about 14" higher just below the south wall vent. I was told that would not be enough. I also put linoleum down on the floor to wash out easier. We are going to paint the entire inside so it can be washed off easier as well. I think were I went wrong was not making it a little wider and taller.
    Any suggestions or comments would be greatly appreciated. We have not gotten the chickens yet. Plan on buying some that's a week away from laying.
    Thanks, Earl and Patricia
     
  3. Sep 30, 2015 #2
    Jchicken311

    Jchicken311 Chirping

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  5. Sep 30, 2015 #3
    fatherofclucks

    fatherofclucks Hatching

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    We have been reading for days and really enjoy it. Have learned a bunch. I just have not read anything with that size building. Wish I would have found this site before I started this thing. I'm just about done when we found this site. Guess it will be a crap shoot with it.
     
  7. Sep 30, 2015 #4
    drumstick diva

    drumstick diva Still crazy after all these years. Premium Member

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    Welcome to Backyard chickens. You may want to post on the "Texas thread" put that In the search box and it will pop up. I think if there are folks near your area they could best tell you what is needed for your climate and predator concerns. Generally allow 4-5 sq.feet per bird in the coop not incl. roosts or nest boxes. Allow 10 sg. feet per bird in outdoor run.
     
  9. Oct 1, 2015 #5
    N F C

    N F C phooey! Premium Member Project Manager

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    Good morning and welcome to BYC! [​IMG]

    It would be helpful to see a photo of your coop build so we could make more specific comments/recommendations. In general, make it as big as you can (chickens hate being crowded), ventilation is very important, and avoid using chicken wire on openings to keep out predators. It's also handy to make it tall enough a person can stand inside for working on.

    Here are a couple of coop/run links that might be helpful to you:
    https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/housing-and-feeding-your-chickens (Learning Center articles on housing)
    https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/9/coop-run-design-construction-maintenance (forum for asking questions)

    Good luck to you and thanks for joining us!
     
  11. Oct 1, 2015 #6
    steven29128

    steven29128 Chirping

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    Welcome to Back Yard Chickens ! [​IMG]
    Good Luck.
     
  13. Oct 1, 2015 #7
    ninjawesome

    ninjawesome Currently being awesome Premium Member

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    Welcome to BYC!
     
  15. Oct 1, 2015 #8
    AnimalsRmyLife

    AnimalsRmyLife Songster

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    [​IMG]

    Hope you continue to have a wonderful time here!

    I wish you luck on the construction of your first coop!
     
  17. Oct 1, 2015 #9
    Michael OShay

    Michael OShay Crowing

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    Welcome to BYC, Earl and Patricia. Glad you decided to join our flock. Which part of Texas are you from? My wife and I were both raised in the great state of Texas. :eek:) X2 on Jchicken311; if you haven't done so already, definitely check out our Learning Center at https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/1/Learning_Center. There is loads of useful information there. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have. We are here to help in any way we can. Cheers.
     
  19. Oct 1, 2015 #10
    BantamFan4Life

    BantamFan4Life LOOK WHAT YOU MADE ME DO. Premium Member

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    Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us! :)
     
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