PNW Coop ideas

[Bossroo]

We will be moving to Vancouver, Wa. area just as soon as our place sells here in California. The new area climate and soils will be new to us . So, I would like to get some ideas , recommendations , what types of predators, etc. as what to expect to use as to materials, sizes, etc. for coop and runs for about 2 dozen dual purpose breeds of chickens, plus a few turkeys and ducks for the holiday table. I am fairly handy with tools for building things.

 

[coffeemama]

Will you be living in town/wide open country? We have raccoons here, coyotes, dogs, opossums, ect. I would build separate pens for the chickens/turkeys/ducks-especially the ducks because they are quite messy. A draft fee coop is a necessity, and for the chickens (2 doz) about 100sqft for the coop and 240sqft for the run. If they will spend time free ranging, the space outside can be less. I've found with our rainy weather, indoor dry space is most important-my hens spend a lot of time indoors in the winter.

 

[S n M Poultry]

Were in CA are you now?

 

[Bossroo]

We are presently in the center of California (Fresno area) . We have 20 acres here. Our temp has been 100-104 for the last 4 days. Very dry heat 8-30% humidity in the summer. We have raccoons, possoms. fox, skunks, bobcats and cougars and MANY coyotes here, so hardly anyone raises any chickens. A few new comers try then give up. Even those that have built Taj Mahals end up with dead birds. The coyotes have killed both of my 90 and 95 lb Boxers 2-3 years ago. The life expectancy of cats here is less than 6 months. I haven't seen a feral cat here in years. They are a tastey snack for coyotes. So, I look forward to our move to the PNW. We will buy about 5 acres but keep the birds in coops and runs and not fool with free range loses. Lessons learned!!! We also will be raising a couple horses. I had 33 Arabian horses and sold most to 2 now.