Winter coop?

[Keera3802]

So I’m getting this coop in a few weeks, and was wondering if this would keep my chickens warm enough. I have 4 chicks right now that are going to be slowly acclimated to the coop in around a month and a half to two months when the seem feathered enough to handle it. Can anybody tell me if this coop would be good for them? I live in Missoula Montana. Any tips would be appreciated!
https://www.aosom.com/item/pawhut-87-deluxe-wooden-chicken-coop-w-backyard-outdoor-run~D3-0001.html

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Since you are in Montana I would assume you get snow? That coop will be a nightmare if you do. It also lacks ventilation and any sort of windows that I can see so it will be dark. If you ever need to lock them in for bad weather it won't be good. Hopefully those that use smaller coops can help out better than me.

 

[Pork Pie]

I'll let others with experience of raising chicks in cold climates chime in re: when to leave move the chicks to the coop.

Not sure where the ventilation is on the coop. Old hen has beaten me to the rest of my intended post . This link is worth reading before going ahead with your purchase:
http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/how-much-room-do-chickens-need

Maybe ask on your state thread about the coop and how predator proof it is for the critters in your area -
Find your State's thread.

 

[Keera3802]

Thank you so much @oldhenlikesdogs and @Pork Pie, I would also like to mention that this set up would only be for nights, other than that they would be free to wander around my property. As far as predators go they aren’t super uncommon in Missoula, but I live in a culdesac where they are pretty rare, I have a neighbor who has been keeping hens (free ranged like this) for years and says she’s never had an issue.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Thank you so much @oldhenlikesdogs and @Pork Pie, I would also like to mention that this set up would only be for nights, other than that they would be free to wander around my property. As far as predators go they aren’t super uncommon in Missoula, but I live in a culdesac where they are pretty rare, I have a neighbor who has been keeping hens (free ranged like this) for years and says she’s never had an issue.

So you get no snow? Where will your chickens hang out on rainy days? Sometimes 4 chickens get along like peas in a pod and sometimes one is ostracized because it's at the bottom of the pecking order.

Other thoughts are how do you plan to clean this coop?

Once a predator finds your birds they may disappear quickly. That's the risks of free ranging. Will you be okay with that?

I personally would always recommend a bigger coop. Chickens can get aggressive when crowded into a smaller area.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I also forgot to say welcome to BYC.

 

[wamtazlady]

Thank you so much @oldhenlikesdogs and @Pork Pie, I would also like to mention that this set up would only be for nights, other than that they would be free to wander around my property. As far as predators go they aren’t super uncommon in Missoula, but I live in a culdesac where they are pretty rare, I have a neighbor who has been keeping hens (free ranged like this) for years and says she’s never had an issue.

Nighttime is when you need the ventilation. While they sleep the chickens breathe and poop. All that makes for moisture. That coop is really undersized for 4 birds as it is. Eight square feet would be more comfortable for 2 birds. Now you have a coop that is too small with no ventilation and 4 chickens making moisture. You are probably going to have cold birds with frostbite if you are not careful. A dry bird is a warm bird.

Are you going to put a roof on that run so the birds have some place to got out to when it snows? Many birds refuse to walk on snow. Then you will need to cover 3 sides of that run with clear plastic to block the wind. Wind ruffles feathers and ruffled feathers lead to cold birds. You leave the 4 side which should be away from the wind open to allow for ventilation.

Missoula has got to be like Kalispell. There are skunks, fox, raccoons, and even coyotes in cities. In fact, last winter a cougar was in Kalispell. Even if you have no predators, those chickens are most likely not going to be going out in the snow to free range.

You already have your chicks and you are going to need a coop. This one is actually better than some others I have seen in that is is a bit larger. You'll have to make due with it. If you cover the run and cover 3 sides of the run you should be able to add some ventilation on that side of the coop without wind blowing on the birds as they sleep. Good luck. Hope it all works out. You might be able to expand and modify that coop next summer to make it a better coop for winter next year.

Welcome to BYC. I learned a lot in these forums. So will you.

 

[Backyard Bruce]

I ordered that exact same coop and had it delivered, then I found this website.
I never unpacked the coop and so I returned it, then went ahead and built my own.

It cost a lot more for me to do it this way but that's because I over build everything, I'm talking 3' cement footings and on up.

Anyway looking back, had I stayed with that coop I don't think all my pullets would have survived so far this winter and I'm certain the remaining would be in ill health from the lack of ventilation and lack of space.

Do yourself a favor and look into buying a used shed or if you can afford one at a big box that would be a great start point for a good walk in coop.

 

[Keera3802]

Thank you all! What do you think about something like this instead?
https://www.alekoproducts.com/Wooden-Chicken-Coop-62X39-4X44-8-Inches-Red-p/dxh001dlrd-ap.htm

 

[sharkerbaby]

My first thought on that one is that it looks as if it sits low to the ground which can be a little more difficult to clean and my "getting a little older body", in particular my back, would protest and likely express its displeasure with me every time I cleaned it.

I have a prefab coop and am very happy with it. I made a minor modification to the inside roosting bar and added a 2nd external perch, I use the 2nd dual nesting box as additional floor space for my girls, changed out the window covers with clear acrylic and added a few ventilation holes at the top of the coop. I also added an extended run so they have much more outdoor space but have the roofed run and under coop space for inclement weather.

You'll find most people here are against prefabs and will vehemently explain all the ways in which they are poor options. For a variety of reasons, a prefab was absolutely the right way for me to go and I do NOT regret my decision. You know yourself, your resources, skills, situation, and goals better than anyone here does; use these as your guide on weather a prefab is the best option.

I will say, as far as spacing I do definitely agree with the prevailing opinion that prefabs overstate their capacity. As a general guide, I personally would half the number stated by the manufacturer.

For thoroughness, this is the one I have... https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/p...ra-large-green-walk-in-coop-up-to-18-chickens