We're about to take the plunge...but where to put the coop?

[maplunkett71]

Hi all.

I'm Marnie. I live in central Indiana. I've been reading and reading about keeping backyard chickens and I think we're about there!

We have one dilemma: where to put the coop? Here is some info you might need and then I'd appreciate any your thoughts. Thanks!

1. We will keep 3 or 4 hens, probably Orpingtons.
2. We have two friendly labs, contained with an Invisible Fence, just under 1 acre.
3. We have fields and heavily wooded areas around our neighborhood, so we have all sorts of predatory critters. (I know we will need to keep our coop well secured from all sides.)
4. I have a large garden that I want them to forage in for a few hours each week for pest control. (I know I will need to do this probably in 1 hr sessions throughout the week, otherwise I won't have much garden left!)

We have a strip of "woods" (really just overgrown shrubs, understory and a few big trees). It is probably 25 feet wide and runs along the entire length of one edge of our yard. On the other side of the strip is a fallow field that serves as a buffer to a new subdivision beyond that. I would like to put the coop in our woods because it is outside of the dogs' invivisble fence area, it would be cool in the summer, and the tress could block could winter winds. Also, it would be out of view from our neighbors.

Problem: This is where the wild critters reside or frequent. It might be a bit far from the house on a snowy cold night, nor do we have any electricity running out there. (Should we need to put a light in for heat in the winter???)

I have one more spot that might work, but that would put it within the zone of the dogs. I'm sure the dogs would eventually get used to the chickens, but...it makes me a bit squeamish.

Do you think it sounds too risky to put them in our 'woods' or could we build a durable enough coop?

Thanks,
Marnie

 

[Keltara]

Hi Marnie

I am a keeper of 6 Buff Orpingtons. A few things after reading your information....Buff Orps really seem to struggle in the heat. So consider finding a shady place to build your coop for them where they can have refuge in the hottest part of the summer heat. Also, winter. You will need to have electricity at your coop. You'll need it to add heat in extreme cases (but generally speaking, Orpingtons do great in very cold weather without any added heat). The only time I add heat to my girls is when someone is molting. With my 6 hens, this happened often this past winter. Also, you will need to to keep the water thawed. I use a 1 gallon heated dog bowl in the winter. Works great. I live on 5 acres and my house is surrounded by woods. My coop is right next to the woods. It doesn't matter if you are close to the woods, in the woods, or close to your house. The predators WILL eventually find your chickens. Proximity to your home will not deter them. The key is to build a secure coop and run that an animal can't get through. In a nutshell, pick a spot that will be mostly shady, and close enough for electricity. And Please come check out my coop. There is a lot of really helpful information on the post.

Kelly

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Our Country Chronicles

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[maplunkett71]

Thank you so much! I have one more step, Talking to my neighbors. While they would not be able to see the coop, nor hear them, I think I should tell them what we are considering. We don't live in the city limits, but the planning commission zoning extends "2 miles from the limits" and our town has a no chicken rule. However, I know of three families that have chickens. Wish me luck and thank you again!

 

[maplunkett71]

Oh! One more thing. How deep is the sand and ow frequently do you find you need to lay down new sand? Thanks!

 

[4 the Birds]

I second Kellys comments.... I am also in central Indiana and I have a few dozen chickens and most are Buffs. I would put the coop close enough that you can run a buried extension cord (best if within pvc pipe to ensure mice don't mess with it) for electricity. It would be a major pain to haul water to the coop several times a day during the Winter months. So much nicer to have a heated water container so the chickens always have access to water!! I also add a brooder lamp for a little heat in the depths of Winter. I would design your coop so that you can open large shutters or removable panels for Summer ventilation. I would also have a predator secured run along with the coop. After that then you can decide how to have free range areas or garden area that are fenced in for them to roam around. Hopefully chickens are OK in your area. A coop can have the look of a tool shed but the neighbors will hear them from time to time. Hope this helps!

 

[4 the Birds]

Oh! One more thing. How deep is the sand and ow frequently do you find you need to lay down new sand? Thanks!

3 or 4 inches would be fine... Some do 6". No need to replace sand just add some every few months or so (my run is natural ground with pine chips and straw).

 

[Keltara]

Oh! One more thing. How deep is the sand and ow frequently do you find you need to lay down new sand? Thanks!

Inside my coop, I find that I need to add a fresh bag every 4 months or so? Not really very often. You'll know when it's necessary. The interior of my coop has about 2 inches. The outside of my run has about 5 or 6 inches. Enjoy!!

Kelly

 

[cstronks]

Inside my coop, I find that I need to add a fresh bag every 4 months or so? Not really very often. You'll know when it's necessary. The interior of my coop has about 2 inches. The outside of my run has about 5 or 6 inches. Enjoy!!

Kelly

Good to know. I will be adding sand to my outside run soon. I will have three orpingtons and two australorps. Is the play sand from home depot alright, or can I take a few buckets from the local lake and use that?

 

[Keltara]

Good to know. I will be adding sand to my outside run soon. I will have three orpingtons and two australorps. Is the play sand from home depot alright, or can I take a few buckets from the local lake and use that?

The lake sand would be good, just rinse it first. I only say this in case you scoop up some lake life that would be smelly if they decompose. Plus, wet beach sand tends to smell fishy. Play sand is not recommended. Using construction or all purpose sand is more jagged and sharp. This makes for an inhabitable environment for tick, fleas and mites. It's also great for the chickens feet keeping them clean and exfoliated.

Kelly

 

[cstronks]

Thanks for the info!