Opinions wanted on my chicken coop

[TravisH]

Hi everyone! Im new the the world of backyard chicken raising, And i Just built my first chicken coop. Im looking for some opinions and critiques. I looked at alot of designs and spent a couple Saturdays building it. Thanks for the input!

 

[FarmerMama7]

I think it looks great! The yard looks really small though, will they get out of there into a bigger yard to hang out during the day?

 

[TravisH]

With the space under the coop its 5x8 feet. But after work they get to explore the rest of the yard. Its funny watching them nervously walking around the yard in a group, not sure what to think. And my sons think they're part of the group too

 

[4 the Birds]

Nice coop! Run does look a bit small but may be adequate if they free range. Pop door looks a bit small as well. I would add rungs on their ramp and storm flaps on the vent openings. Vents on a few coop walls with flaps would be ideal to open/close or crack open according to winds and weather to create air movement. You for sure don't need to worry about the birds tearing up your yard vegetation!!

 

[TravisH]

Thanks for the input! I figured out rungs are necessary since the chickens dont like to climb the bare ramp. Last night it was chilly so I picked them up and put them inside the coop and they all jumped back down to the ground and slept huddled together in a ball. Any ideas why they wont sleep in the coop?

 

[aart]

Looks pretty nice!!

How old are the chickens and how long have they been in the new coop?
Sometimes it takes a few days before they are acclimated to their new space.
Tell us more about your chickens.

Might be a good idea to put a smaller mesh over the windows of the coop and a double latched pop door for night time predator protection.

 

[rapunzel162]

Very cute!

 

[TravisH]

I have 5 new Hampshires that are 8 or 9 weeks old. I put them in the coop Sunday evening. And I have 5 ameraucanas that are 3 weeks old that are still in the house. I already have neighbor cats sneaking around my coop so I will up the security

 

[aart]

You'll just have to put them in the coop every night until they get it.

Cats are the only predator you see now, but there are probably others out there, cause everyone likes chicken!
Where are you located?

 

[TravisH]

I live in northwest new Mexico. We have skunks and racoons and of course neighbor dogs as well