My Design -- looking for advice before I build!

[riverchicks]

A really big part of the fun for me is being able to watch the chickens from the house. My hubby wanted to build our coop on the backside of our pole barn (where I would never be able to see them without walking out.) I love to check throughout the day, see who's out doing what and am able to spot any trouble easily. Needless to say, my hubby is currently building the coop where I want it. What a great guy! I hope you'll really give some more thought to tucking them away behind your shed where you won't be able to enjoy them as much. I think it is great that you consider your neighbors, but don't forget about yourself too!

 

[Keltara]

Quote:
I completely agree. I'm going to miss being able to see my girls so easily during winter, as they free ranged all summer. I could always see them out my windows happily foraging for bugs, worms and weeds. Winter will have them "cooped up" so to speak and I won't be able to readily see my lovely golden babies. Winter is long, cold, and hard. I'm already pinning for next spring!

~Kelly~
✿My Country Chronicles Blog✿

 

[bairo]

My pers. opinion. I always tell new people to plan on 6 sq.ft per chicken in the coop and 12 in the run. Then plan on double the chickens you actually want. That chicken math is pretty wild and you will want more...trust me.

I think you said you wanted 6. I would just build a shed 8x8 (easy full sheets of ply) and have the clean wall towards the neighbors (no windows / doors). Place the doors / windows facing your property. Read the article on here about venting (I cant remember where, but you can search for it) For a run you can build one that looks like a dog run out of chain link in the area of about 8x16. This will give you plenty of space for growth if you want more or make 6 hens very happy indeed

 

[bairo]

Quote:
I completely agree. I'm going to miss being able to see my girls so easily during winter, as they free ranged all summer. I could always see them out my windows happily foraging for bugs, worms and weeds. Winter will have them "cooped up" so to speak and I won't be able to readily see my lovely golden babies. Winter is long, cold, and hard. I'm already pinning for next spring!

~Kelly~
✿My Country Chronicles Blog✿

Agree as well....chicken TV is a wonderful thing.

 

[Titus2Woman]

Quote:
Due to the shed we currently own I can NOT build a coop this big and still meet city requirements. As it is I could possibly not be in their graces with a 4x8 so I have to be VERY careful about making it "blend in" and not stick out to the neighbors too much...

 

[rpchris]

My vote is still for the existing shed, or a portion of it. I hear "Garage Sale"

 

[Titus2Woman]

Quote:
I am dying here!

I will have to tell my husband your plans... although it would be the kids stuff that would go!

 

[Ole rooster]

If they ain't using it, it should be gone. No?

 

[Titus2Woman]

HUBBY says NO!!!

 

[rpchris]

Quote:
Men are a lot like chickens. Talk nice to him and give him plenty of treats and he'll come around.