Newbie with a Coop Question!

[Cluck You]

Hello all,
Can't begin to tell you how much I enjoy this site and all the friendly input.

I have been interested in getting my own backyard chickens for some time. I do not have them yet. I am researching the coop options. I only want 2 or 3 chickens and have been eyeing the ark style coop sold on this site. Just wondering of anyone out there is using this coop and how they like it. I am a bit confused about the design, as I thought the inside must have a place for them to perch and that the nesting box should be above the sheltered area.

Any clarification you could provide would be greatly appreciated. I want to have everything in place and comfortable before I bring the babies home.

Many thanks,
Julie

 

[chickerdoodle]

First----

As far as the ark is concerned a lot depends on where you live and the weather. There is no one coop that works for everyone in every situation.

I will however, recommend that you get three chickens as they need to be in a flock. If one passes for whatever reason (and they do sometimes with little warning) at least the two of them will still have company.

 

[dcs02d]

here is a link to my coop plans - I should post these somewhere nice. If someone at BYC wants them take them freely

https://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AbYrnXCOG7r6ZGhmaHY1ZHhfNDFnZ2NrbjVocw&hl=en

 

[MareeZoCool]

from Ohio I have a bit of advice,think small(coop) since you have 3 chickens. you can always add on when & IF you increase your flock

Be sure that you build your coop up off the ground. Your chickens will be happier.

 

[chickp]

I bought an ark before I had spent lots of time here at BYC, and I'm now trying to sell it again.

Once I got my chicks, it just seemed like it would be too small and too hard to ventilate. It also seems like a waste of space, really cramped up top where they would roost. It is a very simple ark though, no run underneath (we were going to build one), so I don't know what type you are looking at. If you free range 'em it might work just for nighttime, though.

But watch out for chicken math....I thought I was immune and wanted one or two chickens, then it became four. I still don't know how. I may use the ark for the "extra" chickens that might come our way....don't tell dh....

And by the way we ended up getting a Little Tikes coop which is perfect (I think) for a small flock. It's cheaper and has more room than the ark for your girls.

 

[jaj121159]

I hear some guy named Noah builds good arks.