Picking a spot for the coop and run

[charlotte-and-the-bees]

Our chicken set-up is right outside our back door, and I never smell a thing, even in the summer. And, I like being able to hear them.

Everyone's different, though, and it may depend on how many you have and what your management style is. I must admit, it's a relief when I lock them up at night and don't have to think about them again till morning!

I'm with you on this one, not too worried about it. We have a small flock and keep smell down pretty easily.

 

[deidreg]

I lean towards option 1, assuming you're comfortable hearing the flock inside. My concern would be rodents. But if the coop and run are secure and there's no food to tempt the little critters, then not a big worry. Share pics when you're set up!

 

[aart]

Start at option one.
After living there for a year you might find a different option would work better
(assuming you are buying and not renting).

 

[linguini]

Several more pros for option 1 in addition to all other comments :
- closer to the house is easier to bring electricity to the coop if you need to set up
water de-icer, camera, fan, lights etc. especially if you are considering a wifi monitor/camera!
- a hose near by is also an advantage when you need to fill waterer, do your annual or bi-annual power wash of the coop and run
- and you can see your chooks from the house, or visit them frequently
- when you come back to your house, your chooks can see you and greet you with excitement!!

 

[rosemarythyme]

1, then 2, then 3.

Not sure how "close to the house" 1 is, but I have my set up about 20' away from my living room and we really don't hear or smell anything (established deep litter run). If I listen for it I can hear egg songs or alarm calls, but the sounds are muted enough that they're easy to ignore if windows are closed.

Main concerns with 3 is you have to think about trucking through the snow daily in winter for maintenance, and also "bumping up against neighbor" could be an issue if you can't account for legal setbacks (like with my house... no one knows where the property lines are in some sections).

Low sunlight is fine, chickens just need exposure to ambient light to lay. Shade will always be a better option for chickens than full sun.