Alright, I know I have weeks to go, but I like to be prepared. I've also read that at about 6 weeks they can have the light off and roam when it's warm, but that time will be near winter, so when should I let them out and put them in a coop? Right now I've got 20 dominique, and something else muts. They're almost two weeks and already nearly have full feathered wings and tails and their backs are getting feathers as well. They were in a small 3 by 5, but nearly a week ago I noticed they were cramped, so now they're roaming a 4x8 space in the living room. The kids love it and they won't leave them alone - good and bad I suppose.
So anyway, I need to know when I need to go out and build a coop for them. Basically my coop plans are to have a solid bottom and solid sides only about 12" up. Then in a tall arch using PVS or wood as a support I will stretch chicken wire over the top. Over this I plan to stretch tarps for weatherproofing. Floor space will be about 8x8. I'm thinking for free ranging birds this should be enough floor space. Fully covered nesting boxes will be at the back of the coop. My coop plans are planned this way to keep it light enough that it can be moved regularly and use material on hand to keep costs down.
Any suggestions, guidance etc is VERY welcome. I'm only just over a week into this and trying to learn absolutely everything I can. I just bought the little critters the Saturday before last at three days old and now they're all healthy, chirping and happy and have nearly doubled in size!
So anyway, I need to know when I need to go out and build a coop for them. Basically my coop plans are to have a solid bottom and solid sides only about 12" up. Then in a tall arch using PVS or wood as a support I will stretch chicken wire over the top. Over this I plan to stretch tarps for weatherproofing. Floor space will be about 8x8. I'm thinking for free ranging birds this should be enough floor space. Fully covered nesting boxes will be at the back of the coop. My coop plans are planned this way to keep it light enough that it can be moved regularly and use material on hand to keep costs down.
Any suggestions, guidance etc is VERY welcome. I'm only just over a week into this and trying to learn absolutely everything I can. I just bought the little critters the Saturday before last at three days old and now they're all healthy, chirping and happy and have nearly doubled in size!