Large Open Coop with Covered Run Design & Build with Costs and Pics

[3KillerBs]

That’s the difficulty. My coop is completely open air and the wind gusts were having are huge. Hence the tarps for drafts and heat lamps. I’ve an old time farmer friend who is local and I tend to follow his lead for such.

As long as the chickens are out of the wind, they don't require heat in any temperature that any part of Florida is going to experience short of a new ice age.

 

[Iluveggers]

I love your idea! I wish I could do this up in NY but our climate is not conducive.

 

[My Very First 6 Chickens]

You might feel cold. The chickens really won't, as they come with their own puffer coats. All they need is some draft free place to be able to huddle up to keep themselves warm.

20 degrees Fahrenheit here in CT and my girls are free ranging! I have learned that these girls (6 GLW) do really well in the cold. Its the Wind/rain/snow they dislike. They will run for the coop when the wind blows. unless its mild out of course. Isn't a chickens body temp like 105 degrees? Gotta love em!

 

[My Very First 6 Chickens]

Its been 20 degrees Fahrenheit last weekhere in CT and my girls are free ranging! I have learned that these girls (6 GLW) do really well in the cold. Its the Wind/rain/snow they dislike. They will run for the coop when the wind blows. unless its mild out of course. Isn't a chickens body temp like 105 degrees? Gotta love em!

 

[Missceegee]

Yes they do not like the wind. The gusts have been strong enough to blow them over. We checked and they were all roosting under the heat lamps tonight so

 

[IdyllwildAcres]

old time farmer friend who is local and I tend to follow his lead

Your farmer friend is wrong, there is no need for any heat for a chicken in Florida. The risks outweigh the perceived benefits. Heat lamps are a fire hazard and a waste of resources

 

[Missceegee]

Your farmer friend is wrong, there is no need for any heat for a chicken in Florida. The risks outweigh the perceived benefits. Heat lamps are a fire hazard and a waste of resources

I appreciate your perspective as I do his multigenerational Florida farming one. Not too worried about wasted resources as we have only a very few days this chilly. Admittedly, I am learning as I go as I’ve had the birds just a year. I have learned a lot here and elsewhere. I’m satisfied with how the birds are doing tonight and will reevaluate in the morning. Thanks.

 

[My Very First 6 Chickens]

I appreciate your perspective as I do his multigenerational Florida farming one. Not too worried about wasted resources as we have only a very few days this chilly. Admittedly, I am learning as I go as I’ve had the birds just a year. I have learned a lot here and elsewhere. I’m satisfied with how the birds are doing tonight and will reevaluate in the morning. Thanks.

If you lose power your chickens will suffer. Imo of course. I wish you and your chickens the best always! Mother Nature always prevails

 

[My Very First 6 Chickens]

Yes they do not like the wind. The gusts have been strong enough to blow them over. We checked and they were all roosting under the heat lamps tonight so

Thats cool that you have an experienced farmer to turn to for advice and piece of mind. Especially if hes been successful for so long. Keep on cluckin’ along

 

[Missceegee]

I have a much bigger merged flock now and have made some coop modifications over the last couple of days.

Yesterday...

• removed two 10' roosts
• added three 6' roosts and a side 10' roost to another low 10' at the open air end
• See the crowded photo, silly girls crowed 14 to a 6' and were confused. They wouldn't let the roo up. I helped him up. The flat refused the perpendicular 10' roost.

Today

• removed a side perch bar
• removed the sideways 10' roost
• added 2 more 6' suspended roosts for a total of 5 or 30'
• reworked ramp
• moved food, supplemental food/water

Still to Do

• Move nest boxes to area at end of suspended roosts in the most open spot of the protected end
• new allyway and fencing to be able to get to the birds to further pasture