SE PA - Show me your coops... please

[MTFarm]

Not local but here in OK we'll get down in the single digits. This is our tractor. The side boards can go up and the roof is open on the front and 'sealed up' on the back so we have ventilation but can pretty well avoid the harsh winds. Last year we did use a heat lamp when it got really bad.

 

[acid_chipmunk]

Quote:
If you can, I would build or buy a bigger coop. Yes, they will be out in the winter, but my 4 LF girls had 32sqft in their coop, and 64 sqft in their run and they still got bored and pecked feathers out of each other. General rule of thumb is 4 sqft in coop per LF bird, 10 sqft run; 2 sqft per bantam in coop. With your dimensions, they only have 1 sqft per bird. They have got to be cramped in there. It is a very cute house, but I would be worried if you got a bad snow and they couldn't go out, they have no room to move around.

 

[Buugette]

Quote:
I love your coop!!! - did you build it or buy it?

My hubby made the coop... we wanted it to resemble a dog house as not to draw too much attention. I love my little coop and it was fine when I only had 4... they all fit nicely, with room to move and such... but now that I have added the two new polish... I just don't see it working for the winter. It is great for spring, summer and fall... just very worried about winter.

D

 

[Buugette]

Quote:
If you can, I would build or buy a bigger coop. Yes, they will be out in the winter, but my 4 LF girls had 32sqft in their coop, and 64 sqft in their run and they still got bored and pecked feathers out of each other. General rule of thumb is 4 sqft in coop per LF bird, 10 sqft run; 2 sqft per bantam in coop. With your dimensions, they only have 1 sqft per bird. They have got to be cramped in there. It is a very cute house, but I would be worried if you got a bad snow and they couldn't go out, they have no room to move around.

My husband has agreed to build me a new coop... (the last one he will build me...) and I have no idea what I want....

D

 

[birdicus7]

GO BIG! Remember your chicken math....1+2= a dozen!