Hi!
I just got a chicken coop that a friend needed to give away (wanted to build one, but decided this was way easier). I'm trying to figure out where in my yard to put the coop, whether to only let the chickens in the run or do something more free range, and what kind of chickens to get. Also, I need to be able to go to work and not be constantly worrying about the chickens. If I don't feel like I have time to take care of them, I may just wait until circumstances are more favorable, time wise.
Question 1: Where to put the coop? (The coop has a run, but I'm hoping to allow the chickens more space that that, I may need some fencing)
We have plenty of space, I will exclude the wooded parts for this analysis.
1. Near the Barn/Garage: Yes, I know I could just make a chicken area in the barn, but for the time being car parking has priority and it doesn't seem very nice to have chicken in "the garage". The area around the barn is clear with lots of grass. Downsides are that the area is not visible from the house and near the road (and the woods across the road) /driveway/neighbours with big dogs.
2. Inside the fenced in area around the house: Upsides, there's already chain link fencing, very visible from the house. Downsides, chickens in people areas and potential garden areas unless we get more fence.
3. Outside the house on the side with the Apple Trees: Pros: Fertilize/Eat the bugs around the apple trees, close to a door for easy access, big open area (not fenced), pond? Cons: Near bedrooms if we have a rooster, Not sure if they are apple tree compatible, surrounded by trees (so probably predators).
Question 2: How free range?
The coop came with a run that's plenty big for many more chickens than I would start with. I would like them to eat the bugs and green stuff in my yard, though. I love the idea of just having chickens wandering around everywhere, but I worry that they will get eaten. We work full time, so we won't be home during the day, and we often get home after dark.
Question 3: What kind of Chickens?
We live where it's cold, snowy and in the woods. I would like egg layers (since I don't eat meat, but my husband does, I would like them to lay for as long as possible, so he doesn't try to let him make soup out of them). I have never raised chickens before.
Feel free to direct my questions to the appropriate forum.
Thanks,
lily
I just got a chicken coop that a friend needed to give away (wanted to build one, but decided this was way easier). I'm trying to figure out where in my yard to put the coop, whether to only let the chickens in the run or do something more free range, and what kind of chickens to get. Also, I need to be able to go to work and not be constantly worrying about the chickens. If I don't feel like I have time to take care of them, I may just wait until circumstances are more favorable, time wise.
Question 1: Where to put the coop? (The coop has a run, but I'm hoping to allow the chickens more space that that, I may need some fencing)
We have plenty of space, I will exclude the wooded parts for this analysis.
1. Near the Barn/Garage: Yes, I know I could just make a chicken area in the barn, but for the time being car parking has priority and it doesn't seem very nice to have chicken in "the garage". The area around the barn is clear with lots of grass. Downsides are that the area is not visible from the house and near the road (and the woods across the road) /driveway/neighbours with big dogs.
2. Inside the fenced in area around the house: Upsides, there's already chain link fencing, very visible from the house. Downsides, chickens in people areas and potential garden areas unless we get more fence.
3. Outside the house on the side with the Apple Trees: Pros: Fertilize/Eat the bugs around the apple trees, close to a door for easy access, big open area (not fenced), pond? Cons: Near bedrooms if we have a rooster, Not sure if they are apple tree compatible, surrounded by trees (so probably predators).
Question 2: How free range?
The coop came with a run that's plenty big for many more chickens than I would start with. I would like them to eat the bugs and green stuff in my yard, though. I love the idea of just having chickens wandering around everywhere, but I worry that they will get eaten. We work full time, so we won't be home during the day, and we often get home after dark.
Question 3: What kind of Chickens?
We live where it's cold, snowy and in the woods. I would like egg layers (since I don't eat meat, but my husband does, I would like them to lay for as long as possible, so he doesn't try to let him make soup out of them). I have never raised chickens before.
Feel free to direct my questions to the appropriate forum.
Thanks,
lily
Glad you joined.
