Backyard Chicken Coop

Make sure it’s predator proof. You can put wire on the top, and make sure nothing can dig under. You will need a house or shelter with a roost where they can sleep and get out of the weather, a box for each hen to lay eggs in (though they will likely squeeze on top of each other), feed them just about anything from the kitchen or garden along with some cracked corn or laying pellets.
Those are both good breed choices. Also consider buff rocks or buff Orpingtons, Rhode island reds, and maybe white brahmas.

don't be like my neighbors and let your chickens freely roam and vomit on random driveways. that's my only input on backyard chickens

That’s plenty room for 3, you’ll end up with a few more.

I have both of those breeds. They’re docile and lay great large eggs.

Look online for ideas and go from there on what to build. The run, I’d use 1/2” hardware cloth or smaller. Do NOT use chicken wire. The actual coop, make sure to put some roosting bars. A piece of vynil on the floor assuming it will be a wood structure so it won’t rot from their crap. You won’t need more than two nesting boxes. You could have more birds and half the time they’ll lay in one box. If the area is low or holds water where you’re putting the coop/run you’ll need to build it up. If you build it solid, the run and coop, you won’t need a functioning door for them on the coop.

Everything in this world wants to eat a chicken. Build the coop with that in mind.

Chain link is way too large although strong enough. Snakes, rats and mice etc can easily fit thru that to get to their feed and eggs.

I second REB BEER, get some red stars or black star hens if cooping 24/7. If planning on free ranging during daylight, get brown leghorn hens. Definitely use hardware cloth, not chain link or chicken wire. I’ve had good luck ordering chicks from cackle hatchery in the past.

That area is big enough for 3-4 chickens but you will be limited on your design options because of the width.

I recommend building your coop raised off the ground like in the picture below.



This does a couple of things to help you.

- Maximizes space by opening up the area below the coop.
- Reduces the chance your coop will flood.
- Helps your back by not having to bend over any time you clean the coop out or get eggs.

I've built 2 coops. My list of tips are:

- Have your coop build complete before getting chicks.
- Build a raised coop for the above reasons.
- Ventilation is key. Make sure you have enough windows.
- Do not put roosting bars above nesting boxes. Chickens do the vast majority of their pooping while they sleep on theirs roosts which falls straight down.
- Cover your run. Water is your (and the chickens) enemy.
- Make your run tall enough for you to walk around without crouching.
- Use 1/2 inch hardware cloth. Paint it black or buy it already coated. Makes a huge difference aesthetically.
- Try to build in an area that gets some shade during the hottest parts of the day.

I am thinking of starting with 3 of one breed and seeing how that goes. If it seems like there is enough space for more then maybe I will add some of a different breed.

Should I put the colored anklets on them so that I can tell them apart or is that unnecessary?

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Anyone wanting to start in with chickens for egg production. Look at Buff Orpingtons. These golden beauties usually embark on their egg-laying journey around the tender age of 6 to 8 months.

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Are they quiet, friendly, and can be used for meat once they stop laying eggs?

I hoestly don't know if I'll be able to butcher them after they stop laying. I feel like i will be too attached.

White leghorns have the best feed to egg ratio out there and they prolific white eggs layers. They will start laying around 4.5 months old. You can use chain link fence if you don't have minks around. Run a water line for an automatic waterer.