Is my space suitable?

[PunkinPeep]

The generally accepted recommendation for space for full size standard chickens is 10 square feet per each in the run and a minimum of 4 square feet per each in the coop. I'm telling you this partly because i want you to check my math against your own situation.

Also, here is a great breed chart that i have found very helpful.

http://www.ithaca.edu/staff/jhenderson/chooks/chooks.html

It has info on size and color of eggs - how often they lay, breed temperament, etc. Keep in mind that these are generalizations, and every bird and every flock has its own personality and dynamics, but this is a good starting point.

I'm excited for you. I hope you have great success!

p.s. i recommend buff orpingtons. they're as sweet as can be.

 

[dovecanyon]

Buff Orpingtons for sure, (very sweet and friendly) and might as well have a couple of EE's for the egg color variety, especially if you have kids!
I have a set-up similar to yours, and it works very well for us. We have no problem with smell as long as minimal regular upkeep is done. (raking the run, cleaning the coop, etc.)

 

[Mrs. K]

I have 8 chickens, get 5-7 eggs each day. Might get a bit more with the spring.

 

[barngem]

Regarding predators, we have no regular ones here, other than our own four domestic cats, and the fenced area is from a gauge far stronger than chicken wire, so provided we close it up tightly, it should keep cats and dogs out. It also has a fenced roof

...

I am not sure where you live. But you have predators. You just dont know they are there cause you dont have chickens yet.

Weasles, mink, racoons, snakes, hawks, coyotes, stray dogs, large cats. Sounds like any flying preds will be kept out and dogs and cat will not get in. Racoons can undo latches if they can reach them, they fool with them till they come open. Weasles/ermines (sp?) can get through a hole the size of a nickle. Minks can dig and can easily get through doors and gates with larger spaces. Just all something to take into account. I think snakes mostly get eggs, fortunatly I have never had to deal with them, we live in Northern Michigan.

As for fence. You need small holes.​

 

[huntsman]

Thanks for the advice folks - It is very welcome and much needed, I assure you!

Here's two pics for clarity...

The mesh is about 1" x 2" and I plan to build the coop (heaven help me!) inside the run .

I calculate that I would have 125 square feet in this run....

barngem - Barring snakes, we have none of the animals you mention in South Africa, but I will be careful because as you say, local predators will only become known to us when we offer them temptation...

Mrs. K - Sounds like plenty to me. I doubt I can afford more, unless they're cheap to run?

dove and Punkin - thanks for that chart and breed recommendation! No idea what an EE is, but I'll check out the abbreviation chart I spotted yesterday.

My wife is finally coming over to the 'chicken side', so providing you folk reckon it's viable, I reckon we're in! (best not mention any slaughtering just yet...!)

 

[dovecanyon]

It looks great. You will love having chickens, and your wife will too! EE's are Easter Eggers, they are a mixed breed that generally lay green, blue/green, or blue eggs. They are very pretty chickens and good layers. Mine are also very friendly and tame.

 

[PunkinPeep]

I think you'll really enjoy having them right outside your window like that. I love to look out and see my chickens. They're beautiful - a great addition to the landscape, for sure!

Keep in mind that all those vines and plants inside that area will quickly become food for your chickens, so if there's anything you want to keep alive, i would transplant it before moving in the chicks.

I didn't realize you were in South Africa when i read your post. I would be interested to know what wild animals are in your area (i may do some googling), but rest assured, chickens are prey animals, on any continent.

 

[huntsman]

dove - that sounds like a great way to win the wife and daughter over!

I think at the moment they are concerned that chooks are simply a hassle, but the more I read here, the more it appears that they become a very real part of the family.

punkin - very encouraging to read this - thank you!

Points noted on the plants, but they are expendable.

Predators in SA are Lion, Caracal, Cheetah, Leopard, Hyena, Wild Dog, Serval, Civet, Genet, Baboon and of course ...snakes. Now, I know that Africa has a reputation for wild animals, but none of the above, with the exception of snakes, have been seen in Johannesburg in the last 30 years at least. Unfortunately a part of our population has a penchant to eat anything not nailed down so these animals don't stand a chance in the cities.

This group would, I guess, be considered a predator, and I will certainly have the run and coop locked up tight! (24/7)

BTW Are domestic cats a real threat? I'm guessing yes, but perhaps they get used to the birds...?

 

[Feathered Landings]

What a beautiful space you have!!!! I just love it!!! I would also check if any of those plants are poisonous to chickens, because they eat EVERYTHING. Also, not sure how things work is SA, but here in the U.S. there are many laws regarding how close you can have coops/runs to your home and property lines and are all different depending on where you live. It would just be horrible to go through all of it and then find you have to move it. Chickens are so much fun and addictive, enjoy.

 

[huntsman]

Yeah, good points!

I'll check with the local nursery, but the plants are all bird friendly so I guess they'll be fine with chooks?

Zoning is certainly worth looking into - thanks!

WOW!

Feathered, I have just checked out your home page...Man oh Man, that's a great job you have done there!

I am totally inept with tools but I can certainly appreciate what you have achieved. Jolly well done!