New City Farmer- Any advice?

[pawprint2104]

Even without a rooster, you will still have some noisy squawking in the backyard. My neighbors are great about it, but they mention it every now and then, which results in a fresh egg delivery to their door a.s.a.p. My 3 grrrllzzz pitch quite a fuss early in the morning, if their feeder or water is empty, and when a neighborhood cat strolls by the fence. Otherwise, they're quiet for the remainder of the day. My point is, don't think you can keep your flock to yourself. Your neighbors will know, so respond to that when it happens.

 

[maclady]

Watch out with the razor wire or you may get into more than you bargained for. Someone gets hurt on your property even if they are trespassing and it could get messy. Your lucky with the concrete pad cause like another poster said it will be much easier to predator proof. I don't now if you could use sawdust for bedding though I do use ash shavings. You want something in the run area over the concrete like sand which is supposed to be easy to clean or something.

 

[OldMacDonald]

I can't believe people are taking the razor wore joke seriously.

 

[Yay Chicks!]

Quote:
I have four birds. Their run is 5 x 10. Since they do not free range, I think it's too small and I'm trying to figure out ways to extend it. Part of the run is under the coop, so that saves space. I'll post a pic below. It's a pretty popular style.

 

[ThinkingChickens]

Yay Chicks! :

Quote:
I have four birds. Their run is 5 x 10. Since they do not free range, I think it's too small and I'm trying to figure out ways to extend it. Part of the run is under the coop, so that saves space. I'll post a pic below. It's a pretty popular style.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/uploads/54340_img_0301.jpg

When you're home, why not let them out to free range a bit? That's what I've been doing and the girls love it. Of course I have to watch them but that's half the fun. They are mowing over a huge section of weeds. So, it's a win win.​

 

[gryeyes]

Quote:
...but very funny.....

I am also a renter, but I have a wonderful land-lady who lives on the same property. She has the front house, I have the back house. We're on an entire acre and my chickens free range with her 3 Barbados sheep. And we're in the city limits, but out in the outskirts.

 

[CityChook]

I have city chickens and without roosters you will likely not encourage much attention. My hens are very quiet. In the summer, I allow them to free range my back yard and they stay put. One of my neighbors (chasing her loose dog - which COULD have been a problem) ended up in my backyard last summer and was amazed to learn that I had chickens back there. She didn't even know.

IMO, 3 sq/ft per bird in a cold weather climate is asking for trouble. Some chickens will go out in the snow - mine won't. Not even a dusting. This year, they were inside from Halloween until this week. Their choice. That's a long time to be cooped up in a small space. I recommend wrapping your run (leave ventilation) to reduce snow and wind so that they will (hopefully) use the space during the wintertime.

Coop ventilation is going to be a concern, especially in a smaller space. I recommend doing a search and learning everything you can BEFORE you begin building. It will probably have a significant impact on the design you choose. Much cheaper and easier to do this on the front end.

I built the coop below for a friend with 3 chickens. I personally think it's too small for 5, but it would be better than the 3 sq/ft that you're currently planning on. The coop is 4x4 with a walk in 4x8 run. This gives them 5 sq/ft inside and 10.5 sq/ft outside with 3 hens. It takes up a 4x8 footprint: the size of a piece of plywood. The run is walk-in for easy maintenance and daily use and the coop is small enough to utilize some of the hen's body heat in the wintertime. Ventilation is up high to reduce cold draft on the birds and there is a large window for sunlight, warmth and a view. If I was to do it again, I'd put a roost bar in front of the nestbox and raise it up to give them more floor space.

I don't know how cold it gets in your part of MI, but if it gets well below freezing, you will need to think about how you're planning on keeping the water fluid. Some get away without electricity, but it takes a larger commitment on your behalf.

Good luck on your new farmette!

 

[outlawfarmer]

Heres my city setup in NH, on less than 1/4 acre