Help us choose a coop and run!

[Orby325]

We are starting our backyard flock this year with 7 chicks. We live on 1.6 acres of fairly flat land, probably half that in the backyard. We only have neighbors on our left, but they let their dogs out and they often come visit my backyard. I also have two dogs that will either love protecting or really want to “play”. So unprotected range is not an option.
We are between a 5x12 permanent coop with a run, but wondering if we’d eventually build out fencing so they can forage. OR, a 5x10 tractor. The pricing difference is minimal. I have attached pictures of the options we are considering.
Honestly I feel paralyzed by information overload, so it would be so helpful just know what you prefer.

 

[StinkyAcres]

We'll need your general location or climate and the types of chickens you are getting in order to best help you. Neither coops are large enough to fit 7 standard chickens comfortably.

 

[FrostRanger]

For 7 chickens you're going to want a coop that is 28sqft, has 7 feet of roost, 7sqft of ventilation and has a 70sqft run at a bare minimum. Bigger is better here especially if you have especially large or active breeds or you plan on getting a rooster too. Cheapest and best way to get a setup big enough is to build it yourself or buy a shed and build a run yourself (it sounds intimidating, but it's not that bad, I built my run from scratch by myself). If you provide more info about your climate and what breeds you want we can give you better advice

 

[aart]

Honestly I feel paralyzed by information overload

It's like getting a sip of water out of a fire hose!
Slow down, deep breaths.
Taking your time to learn, by reading here and taking notes, will help You allow you to make the best setup instead of fixing a set up later.

We'll need your general location or climate

Yes!

Welcome to BYC! @Orby325
Here's how to dd your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!

 

[Orby325]

We'll need your general location or climate and the types of chickens you are getting in order to best help you. Neither coops are large enough to fit 7 standard chickens comfortably.

We live in Middle Tennessee.

 

[Orby325]

For 7 chickens you're going to want a coop that is 28sqft, has 7 feet of roost, 7sqft of ventilation and has a 70sqft run at a bare minimum. Bigger is better here especially if you have especially large or active breeds or you plan on getting a rooster too. Cheapest and best way to get a setup big enough is to build it yourself or buy a shed and build a run yourself (it sounds intimidating, but it's not that bad, I built my run from scratch by myself). If you provide more info about your climate and what breeds you want we can give you better advice

We’re definitely open to less chickens or different breeds. We’d be starting from 100% scratch, tools saw, etc., so it did seem like at the end of the day we’d end up spending so much money. With the options presented, what number of chickens would you suggest?

 

[StinkyAcres]

With the options presented, what number of chickens would you suggest?

Those coops don't appear to have enough, if any, ventilation, so they'd need to be modified anyway. It looks like the permanent coop is about 4'x5', so maybe 5 standard-size chickens MAX.

 

[Orby325]

Those coops don't appear to have enough, if any, ventilation, so they'd need to be modified anyway. It looks like the permanent coop is about 4'x5', so maybe 5 standard-size chickens MAX

 

[StinkyAcres]

Taking your time to learn, by reading here and taking notes,

THIS^^ Browsing this forum is the best way to learn what you need.

 

[Orby325]

The permanent coop has a ventilation window on the back and I added an additional ventilation window. It has 2 5’ roosting bars. I’m checking on the actual coop size.