new and need advice

[KatherineK]

Hi, I am new here and in the planning stages for backyard chickens. I am trying to plan for the coop or chicken tractor. My first question is what kind of shelter should I plan on for the weather we have... lots of severe weather in spring, intense heat in summer, just plain extremes. Will any coop or chicken tractor be sufficient? I have a small yard and will only have 5 or 6 chickens. Thanks

 

[dreamer5577]

Hi && Welcome!!!

 

[4-H chicken mom]

Hi and from Ohio. So glad you joined. As long as you provide protection from the elements, rain, wind, sun, they will be fine. When building a coop just plan for where the sun rises and set and what direction the majority of the wind comes from.

 

[1muttsfan]

Hi and welcome to BYC from northern Michigan

You might want to ask that question on your state thread, found under Social>Where am I - where are you? in the forum. There are also a lot of different coops in the coop section, made for different climates, that may be worth browsing.

 

[weimarmama]

&

from Alabama. Glad you joined us.

 

[mkcolls]

from Ohio!

Your chicks will need protection from harsh weather conditions and extremes. Once they are feathered they don't mind getting wet, but few stay out in down pours. They come with their own down coats, so we have chickens that will stay out in below freezing temps, most will come and go. We always give them an option. In heat they need some shade, and plenty of water. Again options are important.

I agree with the suggestion to consider wind direction. We would have placed our pop door on a different side of the coop if we had considered the winds.

We only used a tractor to keep track of chicks outside on days that permitted. Ours was not a permanent dwelling. We now use it inside the barn for injured birds or time out.

 

[Kevin565]

 

[KatherineK]

Thank you for the invite! I am in Irving ...I just joined the site. I am preparing to get chickens..first have to learn and then get a coop or tractor built....I don't want to have to go out in severe weather and be worried about high winds or hail .... i appreciate any advice.

 

[phelpcd1]

Hi..........I am just over in Garland. Here is a pic of my coop in the backyard. The run gets sun in the am on one side and sun in the pm on the other side. It's mostly shady. There is also a roof over the entire thing, perches up off the ground, and the inside coop has 2 windows so far (will prob add more venting as summer nears). I just got the 2 hens i'm allowed this past weekend. You will LOVE having chickens!

I believe there is a chicken keeping class in irving coming up soon also (email me and I'll find you the info).