is it necessary to make a coop?

[CelticOaksFarm]

Yes you need to offer protection to them, based on the list of Animals I was able to pull up online for your location I wouldn't risk them loose in the open.

 

[Chick15]

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haha... its true though, there are predators EVERYWHERE!!!

 

[RedDrgn]

Oh, there are predators where you are. Never underestimate your fellow humans or what most people may consider domestic pets. Children, cats, and dogs are perfectly capable of stealing/killing chickens in a heartbeat. Additionally, as other folks have pointed out, your chickens need a place that they can consider "theirs," so that they have somewhere to shelter if the weather is foul or if they perceive a threat and need somewhere to hide.

Also, unless you want to roam every possible place that you're chickens may go on any given day looking for where they may have stashed their eggs, you'll want some sheltered area where they can nest.

 

[The reluctant chicken]

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Yes, they can and probably will, but if you're getting them for eggs..then you will have to hunt for the eggs because they will hide them. If you'r raising them for meat then you will have to try to catch them. My personal opinion is that I think it's much easier for all or any of those things if they are cooped or penned in some manner at some time during the day or night.

Dogs and cats are predators to chickens and will kill them if given a chance.

 

[duck15]

cant i just make a small house and put the chickens there every night and make that their home or make them use to that place so that when it rains they come in?

 

[ScrappyChicken]

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That seems like the very definiton of a chicken coop. The best coop is the one that fits your climate, the size of your flock, your budget, and provides at least some protection from predators and weather. Good luck!

 

[pinkwindsong]

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sounds just right

 

[Gullygarden]

Are you. in a place where you can fence a large run? Then they don't have to be cooped up. They still need shade, shelter from rain, and a place to hide. I use an electric fence to deter local dogs.