Newbe... Thanks for letting me join

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Tricklebrook

Tricklebrook

Hatching
5 Years
Jan 18, 2015
2
0
9
Hi - The wife and I are planning on getting a few chickens this spring. Thanks for letting us join. We are struggling with which type of coop we should use. We have fox and bobcat that frequent our property so keeping them safe is a must.
 
Welcome to BYC!
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We're glad to have you.

Be sure to check out the Coops section: Coop Designs It gives lots of examples of coops, for all sizes of flocks.

But in general, to keep predators out, here are some tips:

  • Never use chicken wire. Chicken wire is too weak and can be broken down by raccoons and other predators. Instead, use sturdy wire with small holes, such as 1/2 inch hardware cloth.
  • If you have a run, bury the wire walls at least 12 inches into the ground, to prevent predators from digging in. You can also create a hardware cloth "skirt" extending outwards about 18 inches, instead of burying the wire.
  • Cover the run. This prevents hawks from diving in and stops predators from climbing over the fence and in.

Other things to keep in mind include:

  • Provide enough space! Ideally, each bird should have at least four square feet of inside space. Bantams can have a little less, though more is better in both cases. Ideally, you also want each bird to have at least 10 square feet of space outside in the run.
  • Ventilation is important. If you live in a cold climate, you may worry about stuffing every crack to prevent cold from seeping in, but ventilation is one of the most important factors in keeping chickens healthy in cold weather. Built-up moisture is a leading cause of frostbite.
  • Think about how you're going to keep things clean. Build a coop that is easy to clean. This often entails creating a tall enough coop that you can walk into it.
  • Ensure adequate drainage in the run. Otherwise, water will accumulate and turn it into a muddy mess. It isn't healthy for chickens to walk around in mud.

I hope this helps!
 
Welcome and glad you joined. Great site with great helpful people (as you can see). Good luck on the new chickens and coop.
 
Thank you for the advice. There is so much to learn/know. We are feeling a bit overwhelmed. We have a large property. What type of coop would you suggest? Do we go with a moveable one and put in a 'floor' or a stationary and dig it in? We don't want to invest a ton of money in our 1st coop, until we learn what we want to do better.
 
Tricklebrook said:
Thank you for the advice. There is so much to learn/know. We are feeling a bit overwhelmed. We have a large property. What type of coop would you suggest? Do we go with a moveable one and put in a 'floor' or a stationary and dig it in? We don't want to invest a ton of money in our 1st coop, until we learn what we want to do better.
Click to expand...

Given the predators in your area, I would suggest going with a stationary coop and run with buried hardware cloth to keep predators from digging into it. Moveable coops are less protection for your flock than a stationary one built like Fort Knox. :eek:)
 

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