Layout of where chickens need to be on property

[PigMan49er]

I'm preparing to set up my chicken coop next year trying to figure out what would be the best place on property we have an acre of land the house is on one half I have the other half acre to set up chicken coop have lots of Cedar we are up in northern Arizona considering it setting it up amongst those trees right behind that pile of brush that we cut from around the bottom of the trees it's about dead center on the property I think it's far enough away from the road we have a corner lot we get some traffic but not bad

 

[SourRoses]

Shade is so important, it's worth dealing with any other issues so that you can chose a spot under trees. It helps during heat a lot.

 

[Penpal]

Agree with SourRoses. Track the sun and note where the shade is in the afternoon.

 

[SmiYa0126]

I was going to say the same thing, esp in the summer! See where you can get the coop and the girls as much shade as possible.

 

[Ridgerunner]

My main criteria is drainage. A wet run is dangerous. A wet run will stink. A dry run is great. I would look for a place that the water runs off of in a rain. If water drains to it I would say it is no good.

You can build something to provide shade. You can put a screen between a road or anything else you want to block vision. You can handle other issues. Trying to keep a wet area dry is extremely difficult.

 

[Krugerrand]

My main criteria is drainage. A wet run is dangerous. A wet run will stink. A dry run is great. I would look for a place that the water runs off of in a rain. If water drains to it I would say it is no good.

You can build something to provide shade. You can put a screen between a road or anything else you want to block vision. You can handle other issues. Trying to keep a wet area dry is extremely difficult.

When I saw this thread, I was thinking "@Ridgerunner would say avoid the low spots!" Sure enough, you got in there before I could.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I agree with all the above. Drainage is top priority and shade pretty close to that since you're in a hot climate. After that, I'd say convenience of the location would be 3rd - i.e. Do you need it close enough to the house to run electricity or water to? Any setbacks to take into account?