Coop advice needed for a newbie

[kpj]

Hello experts,

I am planning my first backyard coop and need some advice on the coop.

Some facts:
- I live in San Jose, CA, so not too hot/not too cold, mostly dry but wet days during the winter
- My city allows up to 6 hens. I am thinking about starting with 3-4 but just in case I want a coop for 6 hens.
- Smallish backyard (average for my area
- Predators: racoons (saw them a few times at night), stray cats (day and night)
- I'm not handy at all (and probably won't be able to build a coop/run from the scratch).

I read that I should allow at least 4 sq ft per chicken, so maybe 4x6 or 5x6 for the coop and 6x10 for the run? And it'll need to be racoon-proof given that I've read what they are capable of.

I've checked some coops sold online, but they seem small. I've seen custom coops, but they seem way expensive for my budget. I also thought about buying a small wood shed and converting it into a coop, but they are expensive and rather too big. I've watched

and looks simple and affordable, but not sure how to make it predator-proof.

Can anyone shed some light on how I should start? I don't need a fancy setting, but I want to start right. If custom build is way to go, I'll definitely look in that direction, but I am also wondering if there are other alternatives.

Thanks in advance.

 

[chickenlittle21]

Use hardwire around your coop.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Tons of chicken coops to browse here: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/categories/chicken-coops.12/

A hoop coop would be one possibility to consider, and those should be easier and cheaper to build than a coop made of wood.

I'd say 4x6 should be fine for the coop. The run, if you have the space for it, go bigger than 6x10 - a 10x10 dog run would be a good starting point.

 

[aart]

-My city allows up to 6 hens. I am thinking about starting with 3-4 but just in case I want a coop for 6 hens.
- Smallish backyard

Does city have any restrictions on size and location(setbacks)?
How small is smallish, in feet by feet?
Pics of area might help here.

I also thought about buying a small wood shed and converting it into a coop, but they are expensive and rather too big.

DIY is the cheapest way to go, but even that is not cheap.

I've watched

Beware of Bad Advice Becky.
Glad you are aware that 'coop' is not predator proof.

 

[kpj]

Thank you. Will check hoop coops.

Tons of chicken coops to browse here: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/categories/chicken-coops.12/

A hoop coop would be one possibility to consider, and those should be easier and cheaper to build than a coop made of wood.

I'd say 4x6 should be fine for the coop. The run, if you have the space for it, go bigger than 6x10 - a 10x10 dog run would be a good starting point.

 

[kpj]

Thank you. The setback is 20 ft from neighboring dwelling units. I have a rectangular backyard about 20x50 with a tree in one corner. Thinking about placing the coop/run under the tree.

Looking into DIY options.

Does city have any restrictions on size and location(setbacks)?
How small is smallish, in feet by feet?
Pics of area might help here.


DIY is the cheapest way to go, but even that is not cheap.



Beware of Bad Advice Becky.
Glad you are aware that 'coop' is not predator proof.