Where to put the coop?!

[Lanfear]

I am hoping to get some wisdom from experienced chicken keepers... now that we've bought a building we can't decide where to put it!

Important factors:
- everything to left of red line is our property (right is neighbors)
- blue is a big pond
- there is ZERO fencing on the property and between the properties (that will change eventually)
- we have dogs... not sure if they'll try to kill chickens but I hope raising them together will help. But chickens might end up cooped up most of the time instead of free-ranging like we planned.
- the coop is for chickens AND guineas (which will fly over fences)
- would like to run electricity (eventually) to coop to help heat in winter, cool in summer.

Due east of the round-about driveway is a pole barn on gravel, south east is the house and east is the garage. We're not against clearing additional brush/trees. I've put two marks on the map of different ideas we had for placement.

Do you think there would be a more ideal spot to put them?! I'd rather they stay in our yard... currently thinking of putting coop directly in the run. All ideas appreciated.

I really like placement of the first one.. however it's right by the property line, so birds more likely to wander. It's a bit damper (lower) in that area as well which I'm sure is a nono... On the plus side, where we will be in the home most of the time we will be able to look out the window and see the chickens to keep an eye on them in the run, if that's where they are.

 

[21hens-incharge]

I like the position away from the property line.
No need to risk making neighbors unhappy.

I would be extremely tempted to clear more trees from around the area.
I am betting there are all sorts of predators that would happily hide in the treeline.


Your guineas will likely wander far and wide regardless.

Electric poultry getting can help control how far the chickens wander.

 

[Alaskan]

I would place it where you can see it most easily from the house.

Make the coop and run as large as possible, and as much of the run roofed as possible.

Other than that... no idea how you would keep free ranging guineas home but electric poultry fence would be an easy way to keep free ranging chickens in your side.

 

[aart]

Place it where it's most easily accessed during winter....and the easiest to run power to.
You're going to need/want power to keep water thawed.

 

[TooCheep]

Keep the coop as close to the house as possible. You will be going out there every single day in all kinds of weather.

Although, from what I understand of guineas, they are rather noisy. So you may want to consider that as well.

 

[Lanfear]

Thanks everyone... great food for thought. Wasn't thinking so much about the trek through the snow... Do you think having it right close by the house a bad idea? This is another option I am considering... This is the only real good spot to put our cat enclosure. Do you think it's possible cats would stress out the chickens too much? I imagine they're quite dumb and won't see the cats as predators and with 1/2" mesh the cats won't be able to get at them and will provide great environmental stimulation for the cats? This would also make it a lot easier to bring power to, and transport water. The cats might also deter predators and being so close to the house and well lit, the location will be better at deterring predators, too...... but this is super close to house More central location so less likely to wander into neighbors yard.... sharing a wall with the cats would make it cheaper, but could also put an "alley way" in between... Bedrooms are located complete opposite side of house.

 

[21hens-incharge]

Thanks everyone... great food for thought. Wasn't thinking so much about the trek through the snow... Do you think having it right close by the house a bad idea? This is another option I am considering... This is the only real good spot to put our cat enclosure. Do you think it's possible cats would stress out the chickens too much? I imagine they're quite dumb and won't see the cats as predators and with 1/2" mesh the cats won't be able to get at them and will provide great environmental stimulation for the cats? This would also make it a lot easier to bring power to, and transport water. The cats might also deter predators and being so close to the house and well lit, the location will be better at deterring predators, too...... but this is super close to house More central location so less likely to wander into neighbors yard.... sharing a wall with the cats would make it cheaper, but could also put an "alley way" in between... Bedrooms are located complete opposite side of house.
View attachment 1853497

I would have at least some space between the cats and birds. Not because anyone will attack the other but birds create a ton of fine dust. The cats could experience respiratory issues with that amount of dust. The guineas might give the cats a good flogging too.

 

[so lucky]

If your coop is going to have permanent screens (not glass windows) you will want to consider which way the most storms come from. We get most of our wind and rain and snow from the north, so the north side of my coop has a large door that I can close up in bad weather, leave open (hardware cloth covering) in good weather. Make sure you have enough of an overhang that you won't get rain down the back of your neck when you collect eggs. (ask me why I know). You may have to adjust your door and window plans to consider the sunshine, shade, rain and wind.
Also, in your pic above, where the coop is closer to the house, and the chicken yard behind it, I would put the coop in back, or on the left side, so you can see them when they are out in the yard. Half the fun is in chicken watching.

 

[hispoptart]

Thanks everyone... great food for thought. Wasn't thinking so much about the trek through the snow... Do you think having it right close by the house a bad idea? This is another option I am considering... This is the only real good spot to put our cat enclosure. Do you think it's possible cats would stress out the chickens too much? I imagine they're quite dumb and won't see the cats as predators and with 1/2" mesh the cats won't be able to get at them and will provide great environmental stimulation for the cats? This would also make it a lot easier to bring power to, and transport water. The cats might also deter predators and being so close to the house and well lit, the location will be better at deterring predators, too...... but this is super close to house More central location so less likely to wander into neighbors yard.... sharing a wall with the cats would make it cheaper, but could also put an "alley way" in between... Bedrooms are located complete opposite side of house.
View attachment 1853497

I have to tell you how amazing you are!!! Most cat owners who allow their cats outside just let them run free and it is so maddening when they are left to go where they please. I had a huge problem with cats when I first put my chicks outside. I own a cat but do not allow her outside and if I did I would have an enclosure like you plan. You are a breath of fresh air and I know your neighbors will appreciate you doing that.

I think an ally way between the cats and the birds would be a good idea. That way there is enough space for everyone to feel safe.

 

[Alaskan]

Growing up we had barn cats that hung out in the chicken coop. The cats were fine with half grown to full grown chickens.

The cats just wanted to grab the rodents and snakes.

Little chicks though had to be segregated.

So....I see no issues with the two sharing a wall.... except yes...maybe the dust would be an issue for the cats? But since they are only sharing one wire wall, I don't think it would be an issue.