Silkie coop

[ChickCrazyWorryWort]

Hello, I am just wanting some input on my new silkie coop. It is 3ft by 3ft by 4ft with the 2 side window vents. We are still going to put some holes with hardware cloth in the small plastic part of the door, a ramp and obviously nesting boxes and pine shaving. Just wanted to know what everyone thought before we fully finished it and put it in place. I only have 3 silkies is this enough space? What about if I get a few more? This coop will be in a larger dog kennel as the run that is covered on top so fully shaded. The chickens are really only in the run and coop when we aren’t home. We let them free range in the yard while we are home. Thank you.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Your coop will be tight if you want to add more. How warm, or cold do you get? A plastic container like that will heat up in the sun, and be cold in the winter.

 

[ChickCrazyWorryWort]

Your coop will be tight if you want to add more. How warm, or cold do you get? A plastic container like that will heat up in the sun, and be cold in the winter.

We are in Indiana so it gets pretty hot and cold. It is in the shade and I do have one of those small heat plate I planned on putting in there during the winter. I did think about getting a small fan to put in the door, but was worried about it being drafty.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

@aart, is good with coops. Hopefully she helps out.

In the summer we open everything up here, so perhaps leaving the door open might help. In the winter I'd be worried about condensation. It will still need good ventilation, especially if you need to lock birds in during storms.

 

[aart]

Might be OK for 3 size-wise...are they bantams?
Where will nest be?
If the kennel roof is water tight, and can handle the snow load you get, and the sides can be winterized...should be OK.
You'll have to check inside temp and humidity(should be the dame inside and out) to make sure you have enough ventilation.

 

[ChickCrazyWorryWort]

Might be OK for 3 size-wise...are they bantams?
Where will nest be?
If the kennel roof is water tight, and can handle the snow load you get, and the sides can be winterized...should be OK.
You'll have to check inside temp and humidity(should be the dame inside and out) to make sure you have enough ventilation.

Yes they are bantams. I just got them but they are a year to a year and a half old. I was planning on putting two milk crates on the back wall.

 

[ChickCrazyWorryWort]

All finished