New to chicken raising!

[RamonaMom]

Welcome to BYC!
I don't want to be discouraging but prefab coops rarely make for a safe and healthy flock environment. If you post a link to the coop, we may be able to offer advice for improvement.

It's ok - I appreciate advice! We hope to upgrade soon to a large roaming area, too, but for the last week they have gotten used to this little coop and are doing well. We just let them out for the first time and they loved it, stayed together, and went back into the coop together after a while. We assume that is a good thing, as they consider it "home" now. Here is a link to the coop we bought: https://www.chewy.com/aivituvin-air7008-wooden-chicken-coop/dp/1501454. It says 2-4 chickens, but they must not know Orpingtons, LOL.
Thanks for your help!

 

[Burnt Brass Homestead]

Hi @RamonaMom

Congrats on your new chickens. I am sure you are going to love the experience.

Welcome!

 

[Debbie292d]

Hiya, and welcome to BYC!

One reason we shy from prebuilts is they don't last, and up here in Wisconsin, they wind up in other people's yards as we get a lot of high wind.

At the minimum, we'd go around that fence and underground about 12-18" with 1/2" HWC (hardware cloth) as that will make it way more predator proof. You'll want to look at securing the roof and the entire thing to the ground.

If you want more help, this forum would have folks to give you some ideas too: https://www.backyardchickens.com/forums/coop-run-design-construction-maintenance.9/

 

[RamonaMom]

Hiya, and welcome to BYC!

One reason we shy from prebuilts is they don't last, and up here in Wisconsin, they wind up in other people's yards as we get a lot of high wind.

At the minimum, we'd go around that fence and underground about 12-18" with 1/2" HWC (hardware cloth) as that will make it way more predator proof. You'll want to look at securing the roof and the entire thing to the ground.

If you want more help, this forum would have folks to give you some ideas too: https://www.backyardchickens.com/forums/coop-run-design-construction-maintenance.9/

Honestly, I don't really expect it to last - I would be surprised if it does. ;-) We have not seen any predators around here, although we live on 3 acres... We are keeping a close eye on them, as they are up near the house, while we figure out what our next step is. We have a good stand of pine trees and would love to use some heavy duty netting/hardware cloth/deer barrier to make an outside area for them. We look for natural solutions that use our existing structures and are cost effective. I will check out that particular forum. Thanks!

 

[Tookie]

Hello, and welcome to BYC! Nice to meet you, we're glad to have you here.

 

[janiedoe]

It's ok - I appreciate advice! We hope to upgrade soon to a large roaming area, too, but for the last week they have gotten used to this little coop and are doing well. We just let them out for the first time and they loved it, stayed together, and went back into the coop together after a while. We assume that is a good thing, as they consider it "home" now. Here is a link to the coop we bought: https://www.chewy.com/aivituvin-air7008-wooden-chicken-coop/dp/1501454. It says 2-4 chickens, but they must not know Orpingtons, LOL.
Thanks for your help!

All the prefabs are like that. They hold about 1/2 or less than they say they will.
You will definitely needs something bigger when they are grown. Be sure and read up on ventilation before building or buying another coop. @DobieLover always gives great advice on renovating sheds to coops.

 

[chrissynemetz]

Welcome to BYC! We're glad you joined us!