Size Chicken Coop for four Chickens

[Myriam]

Yes, we just recently learned about the sand as bedding.. for now we let them run and scratch around on the dirt. evt. we might put sand. For now the poop under the roosts is falling on a netting, which when it dries goes onto a removable board below it, where we collect it for compost, but definitely something to look into is the sawdust that cknidy mentioned for easier cleaning. Thanks you all for your input it's being appreciated !!

 

[Cknldy]

Great idea on the netting to collect for compost. I never would have thought of letting it dry and fall. I get the sawdust from a local sawmill for $5 per big dumpster. I just had it in a pile at first instead of in storage cans. Big mistake! Cat thought it was litter box heaven and taught me really quick to have covered storage ready for the next load I only use it under the roost and the ladies love to dust in it. They have an area of the run to dust in dirt too so they've never gotten respiratory problems from sawdust which was something I was cautioned about.

 

[blondiebee181]

Sand is a great ground cover it drains well and is like a giant litter box. Your chickens will be leery of the yard at first which is why they go back in quickly but as they get older and more comfortable with their surroundings I think they will want more out and about time. Mine only come out when we're home too but they love to be out. Chickens are natural foragers and need their excersize. If you are worried about your garden you might consider fencing it off temporarily during its succulent stage. Then you can take the fence out after things die away and let the birds clean up for you! Did I mention that chicken poop is great fertilizer? I do agree you will probably want to protect your run against rain to avoid a muddy mess.

 

[Steighcie]

Hi Miriam - how has this worked for you? Specifically, has the tree so close by been an issue? I'm looking at various coop options and locations now for our 4 little girls and have been contemplating the proximity to a tree because I'm worried about the easier access for other "visitors" through the tree. Has this been a problem for you?

 

[Myriam]

Hi Steighcie,
It has now been three years since we have chicken and the only incident was a possum in the coop that was terrified because he didn't know the way out but he did not touch the chickens. The real challenge is the squirrels that are able to get inside the coop and eat the chicken food. Our main predators are skunks but they've never attempted to get to the chickens. I wish there were no trees but on the same time the chickens are happy.

I hope that helps a bit. I believe it depends where and how aggressive your predators/ rodents are because those who can climb and want to get in will definitely get in. I have to say we could redo our covering on top and do a better job but we haven't done much this far because there aren't really any predators in this area.

 

[Steighcie]

Helpful information, thank you!!!