Self sufficiency! We are about to take the next step and get Chickens!

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Shellyhen

Shellyhen

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Hey all
Due to the world turning into a dumpster fire we have taken the decision that we need to be a little more self sufficient. We live in rural France and everyone has chickens where we live. We have resisted for some time, but we are now ready! The next step is building a coop, so if anyone has any ideas or more importantly, 'for the love of god don't do this, but do this' I would be really appreciative
Have a lovely day!
 
Hello Shelly, and welcome to BYC! :frow Glad you joined.

Make sure that you build your coop with copious amounts of permanently open ventilation and at least 3.5 sq ft of floor space per bird. For me, poop boards are a must have.

I highly encourage incorporating lots of windows at roost height to let in as much natural light as possible and that can be opened during hot summers for cross breezes. All ventilation and window openings should be back by well secured 1/2" hardware cloth to prevent weasels, rats and other predators entrance into the coop at night.

If your birds will not be free ranged, make their outdoor enclosure as large as possible. Offer a minimum of 15 sq ft per bird and include lots of perching locations, organic litter to scratch around in and place to hide behind from more dominant flock members.
 
There are some great articles and threads on here about what works and what doesn't. 1/2" hardware cloth is your friend. Depending on what predators, predator load, and your tolerance for chickens getting eaten by them is, and the money and supplies you can put towards housing, determines how you will keep your chickens. Everyone has a different answer for this, the right one is the one that seems best to you.

Not sure about France, but here in the USA, most pre-fab coops are prohibitively expensive depending on the amount of space you want. Building your own coop and run should strongly be considered, IMO.
 
Shellyhen said:
Hey all
Due to the world turning into a dumpster fire we have taken the decision that we need to be a little more self sufficient. We live in rural France and everyone has chickens where we live. We have resisted for some time, but we are now ready! The next step is building a coop, so if anyone has any ideas or more importantly, 'for the love of god don't do this, but do this' I would be really appreciative
Have a lovely day!
Click to expand...
Well hello Shellyhen!! Welcome, I joined this forum today too!! And I live in rural France!! Spooky!! I'm sure we are going to become great friends!! :wee:frow
 
:welcome
Nice to have you here!!!!
For some inspiration and ideas on chicken coops and runs, whether repurposed structures, built from scratch, recycled or whatever else you can imagine check out this forum
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forums/coop-run-design-construction-maintenance.9/
It has coops and runs of all sizes.
Lots of info about predator proofing, ventilation requirements, the ‘beauty of poop boards’ (speaking of easier cleanup and keeping the coop drier and less stinky).
Big points for me - roosts made from 2x4’s, flat side up is easier on their feet; ventilation but no drafts on the chickens; I like to have more than one water and feed station; no chicken wire, hardware cloth 1/2 inch and the aforementioned poop board to function like a big cat litter area for chickens
 

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