Help me enjoy my chickens again by solving my coop and run issues!

[TalkALittle]

Excellent feedback, thank you! Good observations, the back patio does slope a bit down toward the run which I'm sure is not helping.

What about a solution like this one? I could put it up on the patio. This should be sufficient indoor space for them and easy access for me. Do you think I could use the same run but move it up on the slab as well or would I still need to increase the size of it?

Considering the frustrations I have with my current setup and my non-handyman status I'm not opposed to selling it and upgrading.

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/csw/grd/5222721916.html

Personally, I would rather see you address your birds' need for more run space before you increase their coop space. My own birds spend very little time in the coop, preferring instead to be out in the covered run all day. We were in the middle of a blizzard last winter and my birds were still out in the run. They pretty much just use the coop for laying eggs and roosting at night. In general, I think a chicken keeper can get away with a smaller than ideal coop if they have a decent sized, covered run the birds can access in all weather.

Yes, it would be nice if you got that bigger coop, but your birds will still want to spend their time in the run and so you'll still have the same problem with poop and wet that you have now. I would put priority on getting a bigger, covered run. As someone else suggested, a covered dog kennel can be an inexpensive option for a "not-so-handy" person to provide a dry run and a decent amount of predator protection.

 

[rarneson]

Howdy neighbor! I'm just a few hrs away in Western Wisconsin.

This rain has taken a toll on our feathered friends feet and coop as well. We covered our run with tarp and put down wood chips which has helped tremendously! Have you considered a dog kennel to give you extra run space? There are some nice covered ones which I think may help with the mess.

That's not a bad idea, thanks!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Unfortunately I agree that that is way too small for your hens, even the coop, winter is coming and your chickens will need to spend some days indoors, and when it starts snowing your little coop will quickly get buried, and it's going to be hard keeping the snow out of the run, I'm in Wisconsin too so I know what is coming, I too don't want to say anything bad, or discouraging, but I don't see your current set up working long term.

I use deep litter in my one run but it is a bit bigger, yours is a bit too small, there will be too many dropping in too small of an area. Good luck in whatever you decide to do.

 

[rarneson]

Unfortunately I agree that that is way too small for your hens, even the coop, winter is coming and your chickens will need to spend some days indoors, and when it starts snowing your little coop will quickly get buried, and it's going to be hard keeping the snow out of the run, I'm in Wisconsin too so I know what is coming, I too don't want to say anything bad, or discouraging, but I don't see your current set up working long term.

I use deep litter in my one run but it is a bit bigger, yours is a bit too small, there will be too many dropping in too small of an area. Good luck in whatever you decide to do.

Thanks, I appreciate hearing from somebody from the same climate! I'm looking into bigger options for the winter. It's painful to consider since I just bought this setup this summer. Oh well.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I am not a fan of all these places making these small coops and selling them like they are appropriate to house chickens, they unfortunately target people starting out who are following what the sellers are saying about how appropriate they are, my coops aren't cute or pretty, but they are functional.

A few things you should know, as I stated you will need enough room for your hens to stay inside for those blizzards, mine don't go outside if it's snowing, for four chickens a minimum of 4 foot by 4 foot, and it's nice if you can actually get in there, you're going to need to keep food and water inside the coop, and to make sure there is a window for light and adequate ventilation without drafts.

You can make a decent run out of welded wire 4-5 foot high, you can use posts or you could just use metal T fence posts. I usually shovel my run and put down hay, or shavings, not sure how much you wanted to put into your chickens. I personally would start over if you are wanting to keep them. Good luck, hopefully some of these thought are helpful.

 

[junebuggena]

I'm in agreement that your biggest problem is space. Both the coop and run are way too small for your large breed chickens. And they'll need a large, covered area for winter if you live in an area that gets a lot of snow or rain. The space they are kept in now is kind of like expecting your kids to spend every second of their lives, all together 24/7, in one bedroom. They have no room to run, play or just be chickens with your current setup.

 

[ChickenMammX4]

Thanks, I appreciate hearing from somebody from the same climate! I'm looking into bigger options for the winter. It's painful to consider since I just bought this setup this summer. Oh well.

I know the feeling, we bought a pre-fab coop (advertised for 6) the same day we bought our chicks. Before our chicks were even out of the brooder we realized our $500. mistake. There was no way our 6 full grown chickens could thrive in that small space as well as be protected from the elements and predators. We quickly remodeled an existing (8' x 18' (8' x 9" used by chickens)) shed and built an attached 8" x 16' covered run. Not an additional expense we had anticipated, but has been worth it. Happy chickens, happy owners! Both the coop and run are walk-in, easy to maintain. We sold the pre-fab coop on CraigsList unused to someone raising Bantams.