Hi there! I'd really appreciate any help in figuring out the best size for my coop. I currently have 6 leghorn chicks (about 3.5 weeks old) and will be building my coop this weekend. I would like to make the coop big enough to allow for 10-12 chickens eventually because I think I'd like to add to my flock (probably next year). I live in Maryland where the temps can range from below freezing in Jan & Feb to 100+ July & August (those are the exremes, obviously).
In designing my coop, I was trying to allow as much room as possible for the chickens, in order to make it comfortable for them and was thinking of going with a 6'x6'x6' design - with internal nesting boxes (12x12). Then I read something that said going with a smaller coop might be better for keeping them warm in the winter (but then what does that mean for the summer???). I am most likely not going to have electrical capabilities for the coop (although I could run an extension chord in the winter for a heat lamp, if necessary).
Like I said, I only have 6 now but want to allow room to grow. If it isn't obvious, I've gotten myself completely confused and would love for someone to just tell me what to do! LOL!
Thanks!
In designing my coop, I was trying to allow as much room as possible for the chickens, in order to make it comfortable for them and was thinking of going with a 6'x6'x6' design - with internal nesting boxes (12x12). Then I read something that said going with a smaller coop might be better for keeping them warm in the winter (but then what does that mean for the summer???). I am most likely not going to have electrical capabilities for the coop (although I could run an extension chord in the winter for a heat lamp, if necessary).
Like I said, I only have 6 now but want to allow room to grow. If it isn't obvious, I've gotten myself completely confused and would love for someone to just tell me what to do! LOL!
Thanks!
