- Mar 1, 2011
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We had planned to build a coop in the next month or two and then buy 8 to 10 chicks in March or April. But, my FIL surprised us with a box of 24 chicks last Friday! They are in our living room now so I quickly drew up plans for the coop and my wonderful husband framed in my coop just like I wanted it. It is 8x10 and about 18 inches off of the ground with a roof that slopes from 6ft. down to about 4ft. We buried the posts about 2 feet in the ground and have it all framed and ready for the roof now.
Only I designed it with the run on the West side (the high side of the coop).
There is a large oak tree to the North side of where I had hoped to put the run so I can't extend the run that way. I could extend the run to the South but it will be 10 feet from our back door then.
I considered just attaching the run to the East (shorter side) of the coop but then there would be a small oak that we would have to remove and 8 feet beyond that an electric pole. I could kick myself right now.
If we continue with the current layout our chickens will have a 1 1/2 foot wide strip of morning sun on each side of the shade created by the coop and whatever they could get from the window in the coop.
We can deal with them being 10 feet from the back door if we have to... We really want to give them what would be best for them. How many square feet of morning sun should I have for 24 chickens?
Only I designed it with the run on the West side (the high side of the coop).
I considered just attaching the run to the East (shorter side) of the coop but then there would be a small oak that we would have to remove and 8 feet beyond that an electric pole. I could kick myself right now.
If we continue with the current layout our chickens will have a 1 1/2 foot wide strip of morning sun on each side of the shade created by the coop and whatever they could get from the window in the coop.
We can deal with them being 10 feet from the back door if we have to... We really want to give them what would be best for them. How many square feet of morning sun should I have for 24 chickens?