Recent content by christinefedje

I have an order coming from Valley Hatchery for 4 chicks!

I will be getting 4 buff orpingtons chicks shipped to me mid May. I'm in ND and the average high is around 70, lows around 45. I plan on keeping them in the garage (unheated, small) in a kids play pen or dog crate, not sure yet. Is a brooder plate sufficient? I really don't want to use a heat...

Would just the two triangles of ventilation be enough though? Im not sure exactly how big they would be. I could keep the long side one for during the summer and close it up in the winter.

True, I didn't think about lifting the nest box door. Where would you suggest the nest door hinge at the minimize the chances of water getting in?

Definitely planning on having the coop up on legs so I can utilize the space underneath it as part of the run. I was thinking similarly about moving the vents to the triangle portion of the roof.

That's a good point. My issue is lack of space and restraints from the city. Our backyard isn't huge and we can only have a total of 6 hens, planning on 4. It also can't be more than 7ft tall per the city (I don't know why).

That's true, I didn't think about the roost height. Must haves, not much, just easy to clean. I love the idea of poop boards you can scrape off and sand substrate. It will have an enclosed run with a roof attached, but I'm sure there will be days when it'll just be too cold and windy to be...

The shed in question. I live in North Dakota, so harsh winters but also summers that can get pretty hot and humid. Does this design have enough ventilation? I will have 4 hens.

No they're not. I do plan on letting them out, supervised (don't tell the city 🤫).

My city recently started allowing backyard chickens (up to 6 hens). I plan on getting 4. I live in North Dakota, so harsh winters with lots of snow, below 0 temps and wind. My husband, dad and father in law are willing to build me a coop and run. However, the city has put restraints on size...