What size coop do I need

[Anny]

If you have cold winters you'll want to insulate the coop.

I made my coop a little bigger since I have cold winters since I figured they would be staying inside when the snow is to much for them and I don't want them feeling cooped up. You can see my coop on my page (I have 4 hens) https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=9429

The only reason I raised my coop off the ground was for ease of cleaning, I don't have to bend over.

 

[cajunlizz]

Quote:
The bigger the better , that way you do not have to enlarge later . TRUST me on this one . We started off with 7 hens . Within a week , DH went and bought 30 baby chicks . NOW we are close to having 100 head and he has had to enlarge the coop and run TWICE.... and guess what ? We have ahen that went broody and she is sitting on 8 eggs , due to hatch Oct. 4th.
So , 4 chickens will only be a teaser , once you start and enjoy them as much as we all have , you can double , triple that number in a very short time .

 

[cmom]

Quote:
So true!!!

 

[cajunlizz]

you don't want them roosting above their nesting boxes neither . YUCK .... thats why we put our roost on opposite side of the coop .. NESTING BOXES on one side , ROOST on the other .

I never put food or water in the coop . They go in the coop during the day only to lay and they come right back out . Food and water are outside in their attached run . Its all enclosed overhead , so they can not escape and nothing can enter .

Besides , when they go in coop late evenings , all they want to do is roost and sleep . LOL

 

[worknprogress]

I have to be able to put food and water inside the coop because of winter. Speaking of which, how do you keep water from from freezing?

 

[mikefromnh]

Quote:
Here is a thread on heated water

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=88830

 

[worknprogress]

So I take it keeping the water inside the coop doesn't keep it warm enough?

 

[Anny]

If inside your coop stays above freezing the water will not freeze but if it gets colder inside the coop then it freezes.

You can add a heater/heat light inside the coop to keep the hens warmer and that will always keep the water from freezing.

Personally I plan on getting a heated waterer, this way I don't have to worry about the girls not having water in the winter.

Be sure you get winter hardy hens if you live ina cold area to, they will be easier to keep warm. Winter hardy hens have thicker feathers and are fatter and larger to keep them selfs warm.