Location of the chicken coop

[frstchknz]

First let me say a warm Hello! to everyone.

I am getting started with chickens in my backyard this spring. I don't have a lot of land to work with and my vegetable garden takes up the bulk of it. My original plan was to build a chicken coop at the end of the property. We have a garden shed that is near the back of the house. My husband has suggested that we convert this shed into the chicken coop. The building would be perfect for the needs of chickens as far as the size and the amount of grass around it. My question is... how close is too close to the house? This shed is not far from the back of our house. There is no door from the house to that side, however there are windows. The shed itself is approx 12 feet from the window. My concern is the smell. Since I've not had chickens before, and I don't know anyone that does have them, I don't know if this is something that can be controled. Any suggestions are welcome! I have recently purchased 8 - 2 day old pullets which are at this time living in my kitchen

What do you think? should I use the building that I have? or should I consider building a new one farther from the house?
Thank you!

 

[Noymira]

Quote:
I'm new myself, so not an expert, and don't have my chicks yet. But, I've read other posts like this and it seems that if you keep your coop clean there really isn't much smell. I'd probably be more worried about the noise, especially if that shed is right near your bedroom window!

And a big hello to you too!

 

[wannabchick]

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DXgPgQOatYI/SeeNON627-I/AAAAAAAAARg/ervOEXpqVWk/s400/welcome-roos%5B1%5D.jpg
I can say I place my coop about 50 feet from my house..I too was so confused as to where?
I hope I made the right choice.

Xoxox

 

[elmo]

Odor shouldn't be a problem if you manage your coop well. But noise is a factor to consider, also. If you are keeping a rooster, you'll hear crowing very well that close to your house. And a hen's egg song can be just as loud as a crow, although they don't usually sing it at the crack of dawn.

 

[MyKidLuvsGreenEgz]

I have two "dog kennels" with total 12 chickens against my house, smack against 2 large windows, and right next to the back door. As long as you keep it fairly clean, allowing them to "free range" in your backyard when you're home, you should be fine. My only problem is flies! Everyone around us has a horrible fly infestation this past summer (2010) and unfortunately the chickens don't like eating flies. Silly things.

Good luck!

 

[rebbetzin]

Some cities have regulations on how close a poulty house can be to other buildings.

 

[frstchknz]

Thank you all so much for your replies

I feel much better now about the shed. I'm very confident that I can keep it clean.
I'm hoping that I don't have a rooster. At least I didn't intend to have one at this time. The noise won't be a problem since it's at the back side of the house away from the bedrooms and living room area. Actually it's off the back porch and kitchen side of the house.
I don't live in a city, so no worries on any zoning problems. I'm in a rural agriculture zoned area.
Thank you again for all your help. I'm finding that I come to this site more everyday. You all have so much good information and experience.

 

[wyoDreamer]

I don't have chickens yet but my thought was this:

Not far from the kitchen makes it easier to spoil them with treats.

 

[elmo]

Quote:
And get the fresh eggs! I've sometimes made breakfast from eggs that were still warm from the nest. Can't get much fresher than that unless you get the hen to lay right into the frying pan!

 

[baldessariclan]

Don't forget about flies, too (in the summer, anyways) -- farther from the house helps with this as well...