small coop for in town?

[PAgirlinID]

I'm working on plans for a chicken coop, but I'm not sure if they will be ok. The area I have to place the coop is 7ft x 3ft. I was thinking that I could build the coop on stilts and have the run be under the coop. Also I was considering making the coop part two stories, giving the girls an extra 21sq ft of coop room. I live in south eastern Idaho, so cold is a problem as well as high winds. Summers get pretty toasty here too, so I know that ventilation would be key.



This is the spot for the coop. not very big but I think it will work. Other thoughts were to cut a hole in the fence to the left... That's the garden, and allow them access to it when it isn't planted... which is like September till June. I know that I would probably have to make the fencing higher, but not sure how high. Our brick wall is 5ft. Would that be tall enough? or would stringing deer fencing around the whole garden be a better idea, it's 7ft tall

 

[Egghead_Jr]

How many chickens were you thinking of having? The coop doesn't have to be big but if your not free ranging a lot then your run space does need to be big. Once your garden is established chickens won't do much damage and are great bug control.

Ventilation is key for hot summer and cold winter. We wrap a tarp on the two windward sides of run during winter for a shelter. No heat, no problems. You can always clip chicken wings to keep them from flying over fences. Unclipped chickens can clear a 5 ft fence no problem. We're working on a privacy fence, 6ft plus space under fence, and have one red that can flap and scratch her way to the top.

 

[DamselinFlannel]

Are you going to have a run? We built a cute little chicken coop big enough for four hens. We built it on stilts, so the run was underneath it and then went out about eight feet. Oh. My. Gosh. Talk about a PAIN to clean. I had to get down on all fours and crawl into it with a little shovel..... If you build a run, build it where you can walk into it!

As far as fencing, my lightest rooster (he's a Leghorn) can scale a six foot fence. My bantam birds flew over a 5 foot fence. Depending on how heavy your breed is, you will be amazed what they can scale. Keep in mind you can clip their wings, though!

Congrats. This is so exciting and fun! And I love Idaho. I have family in Spokane, and we've been to Coeur D'Alane and through it to Missoula. Idaho is one of the most beautiful states.

 

[PAgirlinID]

Because we need a cold hardy breed, I am considering orpingtons or SLWs. Hopefully with their wings cliped, they will stay in the garden area. Though Im afaraid its bad news for the girls if they get out. Our two dogs will see thrm as a toy and probably accidently kill the poor girl. My plan is to let them free range in the garden most days for the whole day. Our chicken plans have been put on hold atm, my FI has determined that my want for chickens is a desperate way to make Idaho feel more like PA. I have to agree with him, but that doesnt mean I cant have everything planed out for when I do get the okay for the chicken coop. I think we are looking at fall next year, after we come back from our wedding.