New to chickens

Pics
Date sort Score sort
:lau:lau:lau People either way overthink (like me) or they just fling themselves into the deep end without a pool noodle or a single swimming lesson. Where are you gonna put them tonight?

A coop needs at least 4 sq ft per chicken. If they’re going to be stuck inside a lot because of winter or some other reason, I’d double that at least. I would start with a sheet of plywood or similar square footage and build up from there.

You’ll want windows for sunlight when coop-bound (holes cut out and the cut-outs hinged, covered with hardware cloth (not chicken wire) stapled over the hole on the inside. Or you can do fancy, but obviously the chickens aren’t gonna care.)

You need ventilation but not drafts, so cut-outs near the roof edge covered with hardware cloth—or manufactured screen-covered vents will work. You need a chicken-sized door 10 x 10” to 12 x 12” depending on the size of chickens you have... smaller for bantams. It must be secure when closed so predators can’t get in.

Your chickens will need roosts (perches). They prefer them as high as possible. 2 x 4” lumber placed broad side up will allow them to sit on their feet and keep their toes from frostbite.

Your hens will need a nest box. One is enough for 4-5 hens. The size should be around 12 x 12. People use all sorts of things for this. A plastic milk crate with the front cut off will work. You can use a skillsaw for this, but leave a ridge along the bottom to hold in the nest materials. Put it into a cosy corner where the girls will feel safe and fill it with wood chips, hay, straw, etc.

You’ll want a securely fenced chicken yard for the times you want to confine them but not shut them up in the coop.

As to what you’ll do with them tonight, I honestly have no idea. Lock them in the garage maybe and clean up the mess tomorrow?
 
Hi and welcome to BYC and congrats on your new hobby. There are plenty of coop build ideas in the learning centre. This link is particularly useful in terms of space / size - http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/how-much-room-do-chickens-need

Here are some links to key resources:


Best wishes

Pork Pie
 
Hello and welcome to BYC! Sounds like you'll be busy for awhile setting up your new flock. When planning on your coop and run be mindful of the various types of predators in your area. Please don't "cheap out" on the coop and run, that could put your flock at risk. Enjoy your new adventures in chicken world. :jumpy
 

New posts New threads Active threads

Back
Top Bottom