New to chickens - already built coop - tell me what's wrong (or right) - Florida

[hkeibard]

Hi,

I'm new to chickens (chicks arriving at end of month) and newly hatched on this forum today. Though I've been reading posts for months now (so helpful!)
Coop is located in northeast Florida so the climate is mild. Gets colder here in northeast FL than it usually does in central or south FL, but very very mild compared to what so many of you deal with. Coop was already built - attached to an out building, both made of cypress wood. Open on three sides, which I've come to understand is desirable for the humid and hot summers in Florida.

Outlining some of the details:
- coop is 10 x 10
- 6 nesting boxes - accessible from outside of coop
- coop is big enough to stand up in
- original floor was dirt - we added a wood floor and covered with vinyl
- coop was covered with heavy duty wire but it had cattle panel size opening
- in process of wrapping entire thing with hardware cloth (will finish this weekend)
- we also attached boards all along the bottom perimeter - for security and to keep litter/bedding in
- will have a double latch system on the door at top and bottom
- roof is tin - we have plugged holes and painted top to waterproof it and reflect sun
- two original ramps will be reattached along with additional roosts/perches
- right now there are two dog crates in the coop - plan is to have baby chicks in house for first several days then put them outside in the crates within the coop
- we will be adding an attached run to the right of the coop

Deep litter likely to not work well for this coop, so I'm deciding between just pine shavings and regular cleanings or either sand or sani-care as an alternative.
I wish I could free range, but we have a lot of birds of prey that show up daily here.

Concerns:
- anyone with hot weather experience providing insight would be helpful; I see a lot of coops with tight lock up spots for the birds at night. Not really so much here, should I be concerned?
- should I do more for predator protection?
- coop is close to neighbor's property -he's fine with us having chickens, but that's because he'll be the noisy one (engines) so I'm also concerned about that stress - which is a partial reason I'll be shipping the chicks out the coop after several days to get used to it -- I hope.

Thoughts, opinions, suggestions? Anything is appreciated.

(hopefully the photos come though, not one of my skill sets)

 

[One Lucky Momma]

You’re right in that deep litter isn’t an option with your wood/vinyl flooring, but why not deep bedding? I think your skirt boards look high enough to contain 8” or so. And clearly you are well ventilated! Looks like a nice set up and you are SO wise to get this part done before the chicks arrive.

Check out the articles section on coops and runs. You’ll find a lot of ideas and inspiration there!

And welcome to the flock ! You’ll meet a lot of kindred souls here.

 

[rumbleBee_STi]

Check the wire that meets the coop, ANY gaps need to be secured tighter. You would be amazed to see what & who can squeeze themselves into the smallest gaps.

 

[aart]

Hard to say what bedding would work best,
might depend on how much rain comes in the sides.

Might think about an apron around all 3 sides to keep anything from digging under the floor and living there.
Good examples of anti-dig apron installation.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/wire-around-coop.1110498/#post-17093528
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/new-coop-project.1169916/page-2#post-18481208

 

[rumbleBee_STi]

Also, study up on what type of predators your area has. Lots of animals love some chicken meat.... but there are some very persistent creatures that will stop at nothing.

 

[aart]

I do seem to be getting some rain from the sides. The other day after a rain the right side had some water. Here it will depend on which way the rain is blowing I guess. That's another point for going with sand ... maybe?

Ehhh....I'd start with the shavings. Observe and adjust.
If you find the rain comes in on same side consistently, might want to add a solid half or full wall there. Could also maybe extend roof.

I’m in North Florida also.

Both of you....
Here's how to add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!

 

[aart]

Aart, do you have an explanation of why mesh would be better? I'm thinking it's not just cost or durability.

If you stack rocks or pavers around the coop/run, animal will likely start digging at outer edge of rocks/pavers and get underneath them.
With mesh, the animal will start digging at bottom of wall of coop/run and hit the mesh,
it won't back up and get under edge of mesh to go under(provided the edges of mesh are fairly stapled down or buried a it).

 

[NatJ]

I may be guilty of being a little envious of all of the very cute coops posted here that show a nice secure lock up area for the chicks at night. So it took a little while to sink into my brain that in this Florida weather, it's probably pretty vital to have good air flow.

Those nice tight coops: the first thing we tell them is to add more ventilation.
And hardware cloth is just as good as some kinds of siding, when it comes to keeping out predators.

 

[Rldad1]

A one inch gap will allow weasels, rats, mice and large snakes to enter. Every place that has an opening should be covered by Hardware cloth. An apron IMO is very necessary. Your husband will not think you are over thinking if you lose your flock to a predator. Keep up the good work. You have a beautiful setup. I can't tell how far up the nest boxes are, but you might need a ramp. I see two ramps, are they for nest boxes or roosts.

 

[hkeibard]

I like it ! I’m in North Florida also. My chickens were not afraid of my loud mower. They learned quickly that good food comes from the noisy machine with the crazy chicken lady driving.
I don’t ever lock my birds in the coop . They have a secure run with a roof and plenty of perches.
I keep a close daily inspection on the run to keep raccoons out.
Also I installed 4 NightGuard predator lights.

Thanks Cape Parrot,
I may be guilty of being a little envious of all of the very cute coops posted here that show a nice secure lock up area for the chicks at night. So it took a little while to sink into my brain that in this Florida weather, it's probably pretty vital to have good air flow.