Help me with coop layout and run

[scottcaddy]

Okay, thanks all! We were at the property yesterday and got our septic plan so we know exactly where the field is. We have more space than we thought to allow the chickens to free range. I think we will have a fixed coop near the back of the side fence where it is shady and have the run all along the back yard where it is sunny and shady. They will have about 100' to do whatever they want. I forgot to mention, we have active train tracks behind our house, so I'm not sure the chickens wouldn't just cross over them if not confined. There is a lot of vegetation before them and we also plan to put up a fence, but they could still get around either side since it will be free standing. The idea of moving something around isn't very appealing. I plan to have a garden toward the front side of the house that I can let them out on, as well. I guess I'll have to add a little fence around it so they don't roam into the neighbor's yard. My friend has chickens and no fence and they really don't stray to far from the barn, so maybe I'm giving them too much credit ;-)

Sounds like a good plan so far, just be ready to adjust the plan as you go.
Have fun also!
Scott

 

[Tlmcq]

To answer your question about number of chickens you need to get a dozen eggs a week...it does depend a bit on breed and age but most good laying breeds will give you an egg a day just about every day. I have 2 RIR an Australorp and 2 black sex links. I get at least 3 eggs a day and most days 5 a day. This week I have gotten 31 eggs and last week I got 34. These guys are new layers so their eggs aren't completely consistent in size some are small and quite a few double yolkers that were huge. Most are medium to large right now.

 

[ehoneybee]

Sounds like 4 chickens will be plenty! I'll start there and see what happens

 

[biophiliac]

a right to farm community so anything goes

You could have roosters!

 

[ehoneybee]

You could have roosters!

I know, and I do love me some rooster cockadoodling any time of day! They can be so mean, though...What's a good breed that will be kind? My friend's roosters pick the feathers off her hens (she has 5! Keeps hatching rosters ha ha).

 

[biophiliac]

I know, and I do love me some rooster cockadoodling any time of day! They can be so mean, though...What's a good breed that will be kind? My friend's roosters pick the feathers off her hens (she has 5! Keeps hatching rosters ha ha).

They are individuals, FYI I got 3boys out of 8 dayolds supposed to be sexed female. They were a BR, BO and EE. People say BR are mean but Chuy was a dream personality from chickhood. All the others wanted to be near him, he was never a bully, and when the other boys acted up he could just give a look or take a step in their direction and they would back off. Very orderly no fighting.. He went on to a great home with his own little flock and an assistant roo [silkie] his good buddy. Hard to get one like that, just very lucky. Bottom line they are individuals and roo usually required more management than having just hens. Best Wishes

ETA: Chuy wasvery friendly to people too, but I would never trust any roo around small children.

 

[biophiliac]

I have heard the Bantam roos can be friendly to people. @oldhenlikesdogs can give you some tips I bet. She has several breeds.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/my-wisconsin-flock.72366/

 

[ehoneybee]

I have heard the Bantam roos can be friendly to people. @oldhenlikesdogs can give you some tips I bet. She has several breeds.

Thanks! My realtor suggested those

 

[HenOnAJuneBug]

So, I could let them have the whole back half of the yard but I thought letting them run over the drain fields would not be a good idea?

Why? They're not going to hurt it because it's below ground

 

[ehoneybee]

Why? They're not going to hurt it because it's below ground

I'm afraid they'll make deep holes to take dirt baths in.