Hi

[LuvEasterEggers]

oh, also, once I get the zoning thing worked out, I can only probably have around 5 chickens. so it may end up being less than 6 chickens. but i think I am going to plan for the 6, just in case.

 

[jimbob86]

The run is plenty for 5-6 chickens, so putting the coop inside would not cost any precious space ..... though you could raise it and still not lose any, while providing some shaded area for the birds at the same time. What's the climate like where you are at?

 

[LuvEasterEggers]

The climate can vary, pretty hot summers and very cold winters. one of the reasons I chose Easter Eggers. as far as I know, they are cold and hot hearty.

 

[jimbob86]

Wet or dry climate? What's the snow load?

Is the site sheltered from the wind already (windbreak of trees or other buildings)?

 

[LuvEasterEggers]

the climate can be wet and dry(mostly wet I'd say). we get lots of rain, and a fair amount of snow. I would not say we get a ton, but kind of a lot. as for wind, we have a few small trees, not many houses and buildings, we have a few small stores, but not much.

 

[jimbob86]

I ask all these questions because they are important- a lightweight 1"x2" framed raised coop would be fine in my current backyard, but would end up in Kansas if someone tried it where I grew up ...... Likewise, I think my chicken tractor would be a soggy, rotten mess in a very short time in coastal Washington state ..... and my chooks would be smothered in it were it tried in areas subject to "Lake effect snow" ......

Two more questions ..... which direction are the prevailing winds from, and which direction is the dog run oriented?