Bocktastic Quackles
Songster
Hey everyone! New chicks 
on the block. Raising our first backyard chickens, Speckle Sussex breed, names are Poppy & Nugget. Cutest little things and have such big personalities! They turn a week old tomorrow.
Bought this chicken coop (demensions are 36.02” x 17.76” x 27.56”). I know it’s smaller than I would like, though on a low budget due to Covid. I’m curious if this will be big enough for both of them as they grow and start brooding. There’s a space at the top for one hen to roost and lay eggs. I plan to block this part off until they start laying Easter eggs.
It’s made of fir wood per the product description (good for weathering I am told) though wondering if I should seal it off with exterior paint to help with weathering. Live in Colorado suburbs.
I got 1” wire mesh to predator proof 2 feet around the base. I plan to put cider blocks around the corners and plant mint to discourage mice. Should I raise the foundation on bricks to help prevent wood rot?
I have two locations in mind - gated underneath our carport (though I am concerned if a predator manages to get in that they can easily tip over the coop) or in the attach picture underneath a pine tree between the bushes or on the right side of the bush where I can extended and anchor down the coop from being tipped over god forbid a coyote discovers our coop.
Do you think I need to secure better latches onto the door from crafty raccoons? I know they are very smart and we do have some that wonder the neighborhoods at night.
thank you for your help! We’re excited to become a part of the community! We’re new at owning chickens though have experience taking care of other people’s hens. I attached a pic of Poppy and Nugget too
on the block. Raising our first backyard chickens, Speckle Sussex breed, names are Poppy & Nugget. Cutest little things and have such big personalities! They turn a week old tomorrow.Bought this chicken coop (demensions are 36.02” x 17.76” x 27.56”). I know it’s smaller than I would like, though on a low budget due to Covid. I’m curious if this will be big enough for both of them as they grow and start brooding. There’s a space at the top for one hen to roost and lay eggs. I plan to block this part off until they start laying Easter eggs.
It’s made of fir wood per the product description (good for weathering I am told) though wondering if I should seal it off with exterior paint to help with weathering. Live in Colorado suburbs.
I got 1” wire mesh to predator proof 2 feet around the base. I plan to put cider blocks around the corners and plant mint to discourage mice. Should I raise the foundation on bricks to help prevent wood rot?
I have two locations in mind - gated underneath our carport (though I am concerned if a predator manages to get in that they can easily tip over the coop) or in the attach picture underneath a pine tree between the bushes or on the right side of the bush where I can extended and anchor down the coop from being tipped over god forbid a coyote discovers our coop.
Do you think I need to secure better latches onto the door from crafty raccoons? I know they are very smart and we do have some that wonder the neighborhoods at night.
thank you for your help! We’re excited to become a part of the community! We’re new at owning chickens though have experience taking care of other people’s hens. I attached a pic of Poppy and Nugget too
