How much space do I need?

[Duck_Lover123]

Yes, where I live I have had tiny rabbits, and duckling outside without a problem there are not many predators in my area so I plan on having a fully open air coop. My only concern is that the fencing /chicken wire I will be using is too short so they might jump it. I believe it is around 3 ft tall. Also, should I add a roof so they don’t get wet or is the coop fine for them. I will have them in an area where they get more shade than sun so the heat should not be a problem. I’m under 18 living with my parents and have somewhat convinced my dad to let me own chickens but my mom still is not sure.

 

[StinkyAcres]

Yes, you will need a roof and three solid walls around the roosting area to shield them from bad weather.

 

[StinkyAcres]

My only concern is that the fencing /chicken wire I will be using is too short so they might jump it. I believe it is around 3 ft tall.

Can you install the chicken wire vertically or one on top of another?

 

[Duck_Lover123]

Is the roosting area the coop? If so, then I will plan on making it fully enclosed with some chicken wire near the floor of the coop for ventilation

 

[Duck_Lover123]

Can you install the chicken wire vertically or one on top of another?

No, the chicken wire I have comes in a roll so I cannot but if you have any recommendations on the height I can buy fencing that tall.

 

[Bawkbok]

I plan on having a fully open air coop.

Please allow me to clarify - the run (exercise area) should be open air for this climate, not the coop (where they roost and sleep). That space should be fully enclosed or at minimum 3 sides as StinkyAcres mentioned. You don't want them getting wet overnight should it rain and they need a space to feel safe for roosting.

 

[StinkyAcres]

No, the chicken wire I have comes in a roll so I cannot but if you have any recommendations on the height I can buy fencing that tall.

Depends on what your posts are made of. If you build it like the picture I posted you can unroll it and cut pieces to the right height and staple it vertically.

 

[StinkyAcres]

Please allow me to clarify - the run (exercise area) should be open air for this climate, not the coop (where they roost and sleep). That space should be fully enclosed or at minimum 3 sides as StinkyAcres mentioned. You don't want them getting wet overnight should it rain and they need a space to feel safe for roosting.

A three-sided coop IS an open-air coop.

 

[Duck_Lover123]

Please allow me to clarify - the run (exercise area) should be open air for this climate, not the coop (where they roost and sleep). That space should be fully enclosed or at minimum 3 sides as StinkyAcres mentioned. You don't want them getting wet overnight should it rain and they need a space to feel safe for roosting.

Exactly, the coop will be fully enclosed. In other words the chickens will not get wet in the coop. My total run area will be12ft by 7ft so I will build a raised coop inside the run so it does not take up space.

 

[StinkyAcres]

Exactly, the coop will be fully enclosed. In other words the chickens will not get wet in the coop. My total run area will be12ft by 7ft so I will build a raised coop inside the run so it does not take up space.

I would not recommend that in your climate. Unless you mean "fully enclosed" as in one wall is entirely wire.