Trouble finding coop for 20 hens

[mcdaid36]

Well, we have 20 chicks who are 2 weeks old. We are hoping to spend this weekend and next building the main frame of their coop. Ideally we wanted a chicken tractor, now realizing we'd need at the very least 2 for so many chickens. But if we spend the time to build the chicken tractors or arks, which need to be done fairly strong and well built because of the predators around, is this something that they can winter in? It seems like it would be a bit cramped for those long winter hours. Using a couple of pieces of plexiglass in the roof will allow some light up there, but I just don't know. I don't want to have to spend the money to build 2 arks, and then build a coop for the winter too. It does get fairly cold here in the winter, not really dipping below 0, but definitely have weeks below freezing, so a bit of insulation would be helpful. I'm so confused about what to do!

 

[Brian]

Forget the tractors, you have too many birds. Plus, with harsh winters, they'll need something roomy. Further: you'll want a storage area for feed inside, as well as the ability to go inside and inspect and enjoy your chickens. You need a Hen House. Look at my link below as one example.
Good luck.

 

[mcdaid36]

Brian,
I have seen those photos of your shed/coop before, and it's beautiful. You did a great job. I guess I'm kind of worried about the town and needing to get a permit for the shed/coop. And I really liked the idea behind the tractors! Whaaaa.... I want my tractor...... Oh well. I think deep down inside I knew we needed a coop. The tractor dream has died for now....

 

[fullhouse]

Check your local codes. Here any "accessory building" under 100 sq ft doesn't require a permit. Our new coop will be 8x8 for 18 hens plus lots of outside room .

 

[pattycake]

I have twenty chickens now, too -- it's too much!


We didn't need a permit because our shed is on skids, not on a permanent foundation.

You can always rig up a little tractor for summer use, stick a few of your hens inside...

 

[Brian]

I didn't bother with a permit. If they wanted to be super picky and come out here and possibly make me change something on it, I will, otherwise...I know it's safe and sturdy. Plus, it's obviously not intended for human occupation, so how picky would they be? Your town may be different. I'm out in the county.

 

[ticks]

what is a chicken tractor?

 

[mcdaid36]

My town is horrible about having a permit for everything. I could definitely see them slapping a fine on me.

A chicken tractor is a movable coop. If you do a google search for it or for a chicken ark, you'll see plenty of pictures and find tons of info.

 

[Mom 2em All]

Here you have to have a permit and a concrete foundation with a rat wall in order to even put in a storage shed. However, it is illegal for me to have chickens also. Sooo, that said- I just built a really cute playhouse for the kids

and shall forever live the rest of my days in secrecy and scandal.