Looking to raise chickens and build first coop

[robcam817]

Looking to raise 12-24 egg layers here in NW Montana on 5 acres. Doing lots of research on birds and buildings. I work from home so have plenty of time to devote. It's just myself and the wife, (and 2 rambunctious rotten rotties...;-). I suspect I'll need to teach them not to hunt/kill/eat the birds (that's what e-collars are for).

Looking at the Carolina Coops right now. Seems kinda pricey but well made. I don't have any experience building from scratch but am pretty good with my hands. There seems to be no shortage of coop building vids out there too...

This one looks good too but what do I know. And not sure the largest size will support my 12-24 planned brood.

Thinking about going with Australorps because they seem to be well suited to cold climates, are good layers and can be eaten as well.

Thanks in advance for any replies and look forward to being a part of this community.

-rob

 

[Kiki]

Welcome Rob!

I had zero building skills and I managed to build a coop.
I bet you you could figure out how to build one.

 

[Jbum]

I don't have any experience building from scratch but am pretty good with my hands.
-rob

You can do it!!!

 

[ClucksAndCombs]

Welcome to BYC!

Feel free to ask questions, there are so many wonderful and knowledgeable people who will answer them

Good luck with your future flock and building your coop!

 

[Melky]

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Look in coop pages here if want to build. Can sometimes find free plans online. I love Carolina coops though too. Just remember sq ft is important. 4 sq ft per bird in coop and 10 sq ft per bird in run min. Get what you want. May need a barn erected for the number with attached run space. Australorps are good layers. Have fun! Welcome to BYC!

 

[sourland]

Hello, Rob, and welcome to BYC. When it comes to coops 'bigger is better'.

 

[Ebony Rose]

Montana... cold country... deep litter bedding. Consider how you plan to deal with frozen waterers. You'll want electricity in their coop for lights, and at least one electrical outlet for an optional heater, incubator, or brooder. Chicken math... 12 to 24 hens, plus a rooster or two, get lucky with a broody hen, or four... 60 birds before ya know it... plan for it, it happens to all of us! Lots of predators in your neck of the woods, so do your best to predator proof their home and consider aerial attacks too. Costs less to build a good fence the first time, than one 'that will do' until it doesn't.

Hello, Rob, and welcome to BYC. When it comes to coops 'bigger is better'.

Couldn't agree more with sourland, come cold season, your flock will be spending a lot of time in their coop. A large coop will allow your birds to avoid any of them that are suffering 'cabin fever' (overall grumpiness and picking fights).
The minimum rule of thumb is about 2 to 3 square feet per chicken inside the chicken coop, more for you as it's unlikely they'll want to use a run in the winter for a long time, and 8 to 10 square feet per chicken in an outside run. More square footage is better. Skimping on space requirements for a flock of chickens can cause stress, cannibalism, pecking, and sometimes even death. With 5 acres, you may decide to free range them in good weather, but expect some losses if you do. Enjoy your flock!

 

[crazy4ChickensNducks]

The large over EZ coop can only hold a max of 8 hens. I would build a coop. And remember a MINIMUM of 4sqft.

 

[SurferchickinSB]

Looking to raise 12-24 egg layers here in NW Montana on 5 acres. Doing lots of research on birds and buildings. I work from home so have plenty of time to devote. It's just myself and the wife, (and 2 rambunctious rotten rotties...;-). I suspect I'll need to teach them not to hunt/kill/eat the birds (that's what e-collars are for).

Looking at the Carolina Coops right now. Seems kinda pricey but well made. I don't have any experience building from scratch but am pretty good with my hands. There seems to be no shortage of coop building vids out there too...

This one looks good too but what do I know. And not sure the largest size will support my 12-24 planned brood.

Thinking about going with Australorps because they seem to be well suited to cold climates, are good layers and can be eaten as well.

Thanks in advance for any replies and look forward to being a part of this community.

-rob

I think you should build your own! I had no building experience either and I am 5’2” tall woman. I built my coop and run entirely by myself.

 

[Meg-in-MT]

Looking to raise 12-24 egg layers here in NW Montana on 5 acres. Doing lots of research on birds and buildings. I work from home so have plenty of time to devote. It's just myself and the wife, (and 2 rambunctious rotten rotties...;-). I suspect I'll need to teach them not to hunt/kill/eat the birds (that's what e-collars are for).

Looking at the Carolina Coops right now. Seems kinda pricey but well made. I don't have any experience building from scratch but am pretty good with my hands. There seems to be no shortage of coop building vids out there too...

This one looks good too but what do I know. And not sure the largest size will support my 12-24 planned brood.

Thinking about going with Australorps because they seem to be well suited to cold climates, are good layers and can be eaten as well.

Thanks in advance for any replies and look forward to being a part of this community.

-rob

Hello! Welcome to BYC, fellow Montanan!!

My australorps do great here, along with many others. Not sure about the Carolina coop, but generally prebuilt coops aren't that great. If you can build, you're better off.

Feel free to check out the links below for some interesting reading. Good luck on your adventures!