- Jul 24, 2013
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Welcome to BYC!
We're glad to have you.
A good coop to buy or build would be one that:
In response to one of your later questions, it is fine to not let broody hens hatch chicks. They won't be too unhappy, especially if your break them of their broodiness early. This usually involves keeping them out of the nest boxes for a couple of days so that they forget about being broody.
You've picked two very good breeds. I haven't kept Dominiques, but my Easter Egger has been quiet, docile, and a very good layer of lovely green eggs. Dominques have a reputation for being hardy, especially in the cold.
Good luck with your future flock! If you have any other questions, just ask! We'll be happy to help in any way we can.
A good coop to buy or build would be one that:
- Has enough space. Each chicken should have at least four square feet of inside space. More is better. Sometimes, less works too, but you run a higher risk of fighting and pecking.
- Is protected from predators. Make sure that it has secure latches. If there is a attached run, make sure that the wire run can either be extended twelve inches below ground, or that it has a wire "skirt" that extends out about eighteen inches. Use hardware cloth; chicken wire is weak and easy for predators to break.
- Has enough ventilation. Poor ventilation can lead to a whole host of problems. It can cause respiratory diseases, and lead to frostbite in cold weather as moisture builds up.
- Is easy to clean. It is no fun to clean a coop that is cramped or hard to clean. Pick a design that can be raked out or otherwise easily cleaned.
- Is draft free. Be sure that no cold winter wind is going to come howling over the chickens while they are roosting.
- Has enough roost space. Each chicken will need at least 8 inches of roost space.
- Has room for at least two nest boxes. Nest boxes can easily cut into the total amount of space in a coop and make the chickens crowded.
- You like the look of. Don't pick a coop that is going to make your yard look ugly, if that matters to you. Many chicken coops can be quite attractive.
In response to one of your later questions, it is fine to not let broody hens hatch chicks. They won't be too unhappy, especially if your break them of their broodiness early. This usually involves keeping them out of the nest boxes for a couple of days so that they forget about being broody.
You've picked two very good breeds. I haven't kept Dominiques, but my Easter Egger has been quiet, docile, and a very good layer of lovely green eggs. Dominques have a reputation for being hardy, especially in the cold.
Good luck with your future flock! If you have any other questions, just ask! We'll be happy to help in any way we can.