Newbie build...

[smokinjay]

Quote:
I would try to position my coop and run where there is some protection from the worst of the wind, perhaps against the side of an existing building, where there is wind break from trees or perhaps even up against a tall privacy fence. That way your chickens could enjoy themselves out in the run on a windy day and you might avoid tons of snow blowing into the run in the winter. I've read about people piling hay bales beside their runs to provide a wind break as well.

Wish I could post a pic. I have 2 acers that was rail road 10 years ago my tree's are getting there but not much help. My wood stacks can help but will be using them as the winter goes on. I have one spot that can help but still get hit out of the North. Building strong with insulation hope to over come it.

 

[Hawkeye95]

Quote:
I would try to position my coop and run where there is some protection from the worst of the wind, perhaps against the side of an existing building, where there is wind break from trees or perhaps even up against a tall privacy fence. That way your chickens could enjoy themselves out in the run on a windy day and you might avoid tons of snow blowing into the run in the winter. I've read about people piling hay bales beside their runs to provide a wind break as well.

Wish I could post a pic. I have 2 acers that was rail road 10 years ago my tree's are getting there but not much help. My wood stacks can help but will be using them as the winter goes on. I have one spot that can help but still get hit out of the North. Building strong with insulation hope to over come it.

Once you hit 10 posts, you will be able to post pictures!

I had not other options, either as it sounds like you don't have much either. We just don't have any wind breaks near us and I keep trying to plant trees- but it's slow going. I agree, just do insulation and build what you think will suit you best for your situation.

 

[smokinjay]

Quote:
Wish I could post a pic. I have 2 acers that was rail road 10 years ago my tree's are getting there but not much help. My wood stacks can help but will be using them as the winter goes on. I have one spot that can help but still get hit out of the North. Building strong with insulation hope to over come it.

Once you hit 10 posts, you will be able to post pictures!

I had not other options, either as it sounds like you don't have much either. We just don't have any wind breaks near us and I keep trying to plant trees- but it's slow going. I agree, just do insulation and build what you think will suit you best for your situation.

Commonsence seems to work best....I am going up 8 foot how high off the ground is good?

 

[Hawkeye95]

everyone is really split on how high. I personally went 24 inches off the ground and I almost wish I went a couple inches shorter. But I just wanted to be plenty of room for me to crawl under there too if I had too. (I may appreciate I gave myself a little more height later on) I've read stories of people trying to get a sick bird from under the coop. I saw a coop posted on here that was a full 36 inches off the ground- seemed a bit high to me, but I'm sure they had their reasons for it. Maybe like me- they wanted plenty of room to crawl under it themselves if they had to. The birds themselves don't really need it that high, but I'm looking at it as good break for snow, and good cover in the rain, etc. Also think about how high that will put your nest boxes and windows and if you can still reach them from the ground. I can reach both my windows and nest box from the ground easily at the height mine is at right now. I didn't want to have to drag out a step stool to reach the windows. The vents will be another story- but I imagine I may not mess with them much at all.

 

[Hawkeye95]

oh and BTW- my walls are 6ft high- and with the pitch the roof is going to have, it's going to be VERY tall in the middle. You may not really need the 8 foot walls. Just sayin'.

 

[smokinjay]

Quote:
Sound like a good one to know I would have went 8 foot....