post your chicken coop pictures here!

[lynnehd]

I'm excited I get to post my coop.



I'm probably going to regret building the coop in that spot. The pile of sand in front of it is where our pool goes, it's the only somewhat level spot in my yard.

Well, you can float in your pool and watch your chickens.

 

[peastix]

Well, you can float in your pool and watch your chickens.

Good idea!

 

[Ohmyheart]

Well, you can float in your pool and watch your chickens.

Oh yes for sure.
I was thinking about dust from the coop ending up in the pool

 

[lynnehd]

Oh yes for sure.
I was thinking about dust from the coop ending up in the pool

OK, on a serious note

, I don't notice a lot of dust a few feet away from the coop, but it looks like you live in a warmer climate, so it might be more of an issue?

What about planting a couple of vines on the side of the coop run facing the pool. They'd provide shade in the summer, and help filter out some dust.
You could put them in pots so they'd have good soil and moisture retention.
You could also add lattice work to the front of the coop- same shade benefit.

 

[Ohmyheart]

OK, on a serious note

, I don't notice a lot of dust a few feet away from the coop, but it looks like you live in a warmer climate, so it might be more of an issue?

What about planting a couple of vines on the side of the coop run facing the pool. They'd provide shade in the summer, and help filter out some dust.
You could put them in pots so they'd have good soil and moisture retention.
You could also add lattice work to the front of the coop- same shade benefit.

It's a bit sandy there. I planted some herbs and sunflowers. I don't know why I didn't think of vines. They grow like weeds all around the back part of the coop.

Great ideas thanks. My husband mentioned a tarp but your ideas would be prettier.

 

[lynnehd]

It's a bit sandy there. I planted some herbs and sunflowers. I don't know why I didn't think of vines. They grow like weeds all around the back part of the coop.

Great ideas thanks. My husband mentioned a tarp but your ideas would be prettier.

A clear tarp is great in the wind and rain, but in the warmer weather, you'll want ventilation.
Be sure to post pics!

 

[arouech]

What is a good size coop for 14 chickens? ((Please add photo or link for referecne))

We're getting ready to build our coop soon, and since I'm so new to this I have no idea where to start!

Thank you!!!!

 

[lynnehd]

What is a good size coop for 14 chickens? ((Please add photo or link for referecne))

We're getting ready to build our coop soon, and since I'm so new to this I have no idea where to start!

Thank you!!!!

Will your chickens be confined to the coop and run, or allowed to free range full or part time?

If the former, then a coop with about 4 sq foot per bird is OK, IF they also have a very large run. Make this at least 10 sq foot per bird, but go larger if you can- you won't regret it.

If the later, then a coop with 4 sq foot per bird is fine (they'll only be in there to eat and lay), and a run of 10 sq foot per bird, to be used when birds need to be confined for some reason.

Go to 'Learning Center'>'Housing and Feeding Your Chickens'>to this link. You'll find other useful information in the Learning Center as well.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/how-much-room-do-chickens-need

 

[arouech]

Will your chickens be confined to the coop and run, or allowed to free range full or part time?

If the former, then a coop with about 4 sq foot per bird is OK, IF they also have a very large run. Make this at least 10 sq foot per bird, but go larger if you can- you won't regret it.

If the later, then a coop with 4 sq foot per bird is fine (they'll only be in there to eat and lay), and a run of 10 sq foot per bird, to be used when birds need to be confined for some reason.

Go to 'Learning Center'>'Housing and Feeding Your Chickens'>to this link. You'll find other useful information in the Learning Center as well.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/how-much-room-do-chickens-need

Thanks @lynnehd They'll be confined to a certain extent (I guess in Ohio now, all livestock, including poultry must be confined and cant be free range).

 

[Sylvester017]

I have a question regarding nesting boxes. A lot of coops have them set up so that you can open them from the outside to collect the eggs. This sounds very convenient, but assuming you do NOT want your birds roaming around free how do you keep them from escaping when you open the outside door? I would think if there was a hen laying or sitting on the nest when that door is open it could easily jump up and out, even if only as a reaction to being startled.

We open the collection lid slowly and talk to it softly in case there is a hen still sitting on a nest so we don't spook her. Our hens are too busy concentrating on sitting to be bothered by the door opening slowly.