Region Specific Coop Needs- Richmond, VA

[rvachickens]

Hello all,

Richmond just changed their rules allowing backyard chickens . I am hoping to have 3-4 hens. I was wondering if different regions warrant different design needs for a coop? Any idea about the Richmond or generally Virginia region?

 

[HippieHomesteader]

I'm in SW Virginia. there's lots of good advice about coop design here on BYC. Our concerns in this area are more about keeping cool in the summer, in my opinion. I'd plan a coop with good ventilation and make sure you have some shade in the run. As for winter time, it's more about snow melt than snow sticking around, so make sure your run has good drainage or it will quickly become a muddy mess.

 

[Newtopian]

Hello from Ashland!
I was so glad to see richmond rule in favor of allowing chickens. There are 5 families in ashland proper that keep chickens that I know of. It's kinda the norm in town.
This is my first year doing it, but you're welcome to pick my brain or come check out my coop for tips and ideas. there is also a place on Rt 1 near Sheehy Ford that sells coops. The prices aren't great, so if you're handy I suggest building yours.

As for the main concerns that I had, it was keeping the coop cool in the summer, so putting it under shade and venting it well was a priority to me. Other than that, water proofing it and security were the other top concerns. Being in the city, you should be aware that raccoons are probably going to be your top predator. Those little f***ers are probably more excited for the new law than anybody else.

Seriously, I'm right up the road from you. So if you want to put your hands on a coop and get the feel for what needs to be done, let me know.

 

[Mtn Laurel]

So glad to hear that the ordinance passed! I read where Richmond was considering it but had missed the final outcome. I'm a bit north of you, in Prince William County, and we just allowed chickens last year.

Your neighbor from Ashland is correct that it's the heat and humidity that we need to consider most in Virginia. Shade - especially in the afternoon - is best and ventilation, ventilation, ventilation. Did I mention ventilation?

Our winters are mild in comparison to our northern friends and reading on BYC convinced me that I really didn't need to be concerned about the cold as the chickens can handle it. I have my coop located where it's shaded in the summer but gets the sun through the trees in the winter.

Congratulations and enjoy your chickens!