Where should we build the coop?

[weaverz]

We are beginners at raising chickens and have some questions about building a coop.

We live in northern Utah at about 5000 ft elevation - so the winters do get pretty cold (sub-zero nights are not uncommon). We would like to keep the chickens alive, and preferrably laying, during the winter. We have about an acre of property where we plan to let them "free range" while weather permits.

We originally planned on building a coop out in the field (the unfinished part of the yard). There is no electricity out there, so we did some research and tried to come up with ways to keep the coop warm enough during the winter. We think we have some ideas for insulating the coop and using some solar heat to warm it up ... but that still does not give us 14 hours a day of light (for laying).

So, our next thought was to build the coop behind the house on the concrete patio (underneath the deck). We have a walk out basement, and there is space immediately adjacent to the concrete foundation wall (on the west side of the house). We could have electricity there (for heat and light during the winter).

My first question is, is it a bad idea to build the coop right next to the house? Will we end up regretting it for some reason (smell, ...)?

If we do build the coop on the patio, would we still need to insulate it? All walls or just external (away from the house) walls?

We also considered making the coop portable, and putting it in the field during the summer and on the patio during the winter. Or would we be better off leaving it in one spot?

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[bluey]

We placed our away from the house for the obvious reasons (smell, flies, etc) but placed it next to the garage so there was access to a power source, lighting etc.... The garage also helps shield the coop from the direction most of our weather comes from...

As far as portability goes, It really depends on the size of the coop you choose... Personally, I prefer something that is portable but if you are going to keep alot of birds (I only have 8), then a permanent structure is probably a better idea...

 

[austinhart123]

it just depends if you want to see chickens every time you walk out back. lighting and heat are key in an area where you live. u shuld build a run than u cover in the winter so they will not be cooped up in the coop all day. if u build near the house try to make it match the house so it looks nice. good luck!

 

[Cetawin]

I think it would be fine near the house as long as it is kept clean (smell free) and a covered run for bad weather. Also, having a wind block on the northside helps in the winter also. Insulation in the walls of the coop will help hold the warmth as well as cooling in the summer.

I would look at a heat source light brooder heat lamps or a heater possibly. I am doing that in my coop this winter as well as a light for several extra hours to help their laying stay up.

Good luck to you in your decision.

 

[sticks22]

If the walls of your house are thick enough I would keep it fairly close. The sound of crowing roosters gets annoying FAST!!! Trudging through the snow gets old after awhile too! AND the flies!.......................Well enough said, I let you figure that one out!
If you keep a small flock the smell isnt too bad, until it rains for a few days then it gets worst. As long as we get a breeze or two.
As far as insulation, look at it this way. Its like living in an outhouse with your faimily. So you need to fiqure out how your gonna vent it and keep it warm also.
I built mine just large enough to keep them all close and comfortable at the same time. The hen house is small but it is vented at the bottom edge of the roof. Take a look.