Hi, All!
We're making plans for our very first coop this winter, looking forward to chicks come spring. We have several locations in mind, and I was looking for advice more knowledgeable than my own.
Option 1: Under fir tree #1
Advantages: Shade. We could put the run across a slope that's a pain in the neck to mow. It's in easy view of the house. It's easy to get to from the patio, without being completely adjacent to the patio.
Disadvantages: Could potentially be a pain in the backside to build a run on the slope. It's possibly a little close to a window. (15-20 feet) Tree roots could make it rough to dig in support posts.
Option 2: Under fir tree #2
Advantages: Shade. No grass grows there anyway, due to the shade. It's kinda ugly right now as it stands. It's right by the gate that leads to the compost pile. Easy view of the house. Easy access to patio again.
Disadvantages: We still have to mow that slope mentioned before. Support posts and roots still an issue
Option 3: At the turn in the fence
Advantages: Few tree roots to contend with. Pretty close to the compost gate. Easy view from the house. Flat area for an easier build. That spot just needs something interesting in it.
Disadvantages: Not as shady. Farther from the house. Would still need to mow the slope.
My husband favors option 1, as he REALLY hates mowing that slope. I like Option 2 for its practicality, but can see option 3 for its aesthetics. We live in the rainy, cool side of Washington state, so shade isn't critical all that often, but for a few days in the summer it'd be nice. What do you folks think?
--Nikki
What do you all think.
We're making plans for our very first coop this winter, looking forward to chicks come spring. We have several locations in mind, and I was looking for advice more knowledgeable than my own.
Option 1: Under fir tree #1
Advantages: Shade. We could put the run across a slope that's a pain in the neck to mow. It's in easy view of the house. It's easy to get to from the patio, without being completely adjacent to the patio.
Disadvantages: Could potentially be a pain in the backside to build a run on the slope. It's possibly a little close to a window. (15-20 feet) Tree roots could make it rough to dig in support posts.
Option 2: Under fir tree #2
Advantages: Shade. No grass grows there anyway, due to the shade. It's kinda ugly right now as it stands. It's right by the gate that leads to the compost pile. Easy view of the house. Easy access to patio again.
Disadvantages: We still have to mow that slope mentioned before. Support posts and roots still an issue
Option 3: At the turn in the fence
Advantages: Few tree roots to contend with. Pretty close to the compost gate. Easy view from the house. Flat area for an easier build. That spot just needs something interesting in it.
Disadvantages: Not as shady. Farther from the house. Would still need to mow the slope.
My husband favors option 1, as he REALLY hates mowing that slope. I like Option 2 for its practicality, but can see option 3 for its aesthetics. We live in the rainy, cool side of Washington state, so shade isn't critical all that often, but for a few days in the summer it'd be nice. What do you folks think?
--Nikki
What do you all think.