Quick Questions.....

[Egrant97]

Hello everyone,
So we are about done with our new coop and i am sure the ladies will ove it. can not waiti to show everyone pics. With that being said i have a couple of questions...

1. Is 12"x12" large enough for an entry door, and is there any need to be able to shut it? I plan on leaving it open all the time but have seen a couple of coops have a door or some way to close the entry... not sure why I would want to lock them out, or in for that Imatter...

2. getting the ladies adjusted to the new digs. Right now they are sleeping under the stars and really have no cover from the rain and weather. They have been like this for who knows how long, they only have one small space for a nesting box and a shady looking roost set up. Think once i remove al that they will figure it out?

3. With al the commosion going on with the new coop is a good time to add two or three ladies? I currrently have a NJ Red and a columbian white.

thanks for any and all help.

 

[4 the Birds]

1. Yes. You can leave it open if it is within a predator secured run. Mine is always open for ventilation and access to the run.
2. Birds need shelter for protection from weather and night predators. They instinctively go to a coop at dusk for safety and shelter.
3. If you have the room then sure.... you can add a few birds.

 

[Egrant97]

Thank you 4 The Birds. I have plenty of room, i guess i was wondering about about the safety of the new birds. Are chickens teritorial? Will my current ladies try and hurt a couple new friends or are they usuallu receptive to new roomies???

 

[4 the Birds]

There will be a pecking order to be worked out. Introducing adult birds should be fine. You can give treats and watch them for awhile when you add. We like to have an introduction area in the coop when we have 6 week olds that go to the coop. They are separated for a few weeks and then join the flock.