Would you put a coop here? 🤔

[MindfullLee]

We’re trying to decide a space for our coop. Either going with 4x4 or 4x6 and long run. Looking at about 4-6 chickens. Standards and one Silkie. We just didn’t want to take up the space where my kids would play. But I’m wondering if it’s too close to my garden beds. They would free range when we are home. I understand they will eat things in there. But that would be the case if the coop was elsewhere. Thoughts?

 

[NHMountainMan]

Do you have any setback requirements from neighbors /property line? Otherwise it looks like a great spot. My advice is to build 4x6. You'll never regret going bigger, but could easily regret going smaller.
Good luck

 

[MindfullLee]

Thanks for the feed back! Requirements are 20 feet from property line. Our neighbor said he didn’t mind us getting chickens. It would just be about 20ft.

we’re leaning towards 4x6 cause I’m scared of chicken math.

 

[NHMountainMan]

Thanks for the feed back! Requirements are 20 feet from property line. Our neighbor said he didn’t mind us getting chickens. It would just be about 20ft.

we’re leaning towards 4x6 cause I’m scared of chicken math.

I would make certain that you hit the 20' setback requirement. Your neighbor may not mind, but I'd the sell, the new neighbor could force you to move it.

Smart to understand chicken math. Guidelines on BYC typically say 4 sqft / chicken in the coop and 10 sqft in the run. I've learned that those numbers are the minimum. Particularly in a cold /snowy climate where the chickens may spend more time in the coop to avoid the winter weather.

good luck!

 

[ColoradoPip]

If your garden is not protected from the chickens when they are let out, they will head straight for it and make quick work, or at least damage, as much as they can! They are voracious!!

Also, if you put the coop up against that fence, and if they can, they will jump on the roof and over the fence.

I would recommend some netting over top to prevent that

 

[aart]

@NHMountainMan has made some excellent points.

They would free range when we are home. I understand they will eat things in there.

Will there be a secure run too?
'Ranging while you're home' does not necessarily constitute 'safety'.....
...and it's really hard to herd chickens to stay where you want them too.

Not only will they 'eat' things, they can scratch huge holes in the ground.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/excavation-by-birds-a-word-of-warning.1086535/

 

[Folly's place]

I'd make sure that your coop is 20 ft. or more from the property line, and that's the surveyed line. Has there been a survey? If not, be conservative!
Your coop will be small, even at 4x6', during bad weather, and a run without solid roofing will be a snow covered mess that your birds won't want to walk on. I'd recommend building as large as possible!
One Silkie might be one too many; either get more, or none. They can be picked on by the 'normal' birds, so be ready for separate housing for Silkies if needed. They are cute, but may not mix well with the big girls!
Can you have roosters where you live? If not, have a plan for any that come your way.
Chickens are fun to have! Pick breeds that will do well in cold winters, and who aren't as likely to fly everywhere, because the neighbors won't want them in their yards, or in the road. Do you have a list already?
Mary

 

[Folly's place]

Yes, they will love your garden! They will eat bugs on the plants, a good thing, and they will eat seedlings and some fruit, not so good. It's about fencing, and having a large enough coop and run, and not getting too many for the space available.
Mary

 

[Papmike]

If I had to work with that area I would put the coop on 4x4 runners/skids so it could be moved if necessary. I would make it as large as possible since birds staying inside in bad weather can have health issue. As for a run I would make it from the fence to within 3' of the garden beds. Plenty of room for a wheelbarrow for clean up. If the fence panels are 8', we are looking at a run about 4' x 25' (100sq ft) This plan would be healthy for several birds but may take up too much space for your needs.

 

[Mtnboomer]

Keep them out of the garden. The damages and loss will out weigh the few bugs they will eat.