What would you do with this space?

[ksmalls11]

We have this unused space along the side of our house- it's just over 4 feet by 12 feet. To the left of where I'm standing in the photo is the deck, then it opens up to our small yard. We would love to clean that awkward space up and make it a space for chickens. I'm hoping to get Silkies, we think 4? My idea is to put a raised coop on the back part of the fence then wrap the whole space with wire/hardware cloth to protect from predators and add a gate to walk through in the front. My husband is the handyman and will work out all the actual construction needs, but I would love some ideas or things we might be missing!
Thanks!
Katy

 

[talkinboutchickens]

I think that that is a good idea. How sturdy is your fence?
You will probably be able to fit 3 silkie bantams in that space but not standard-sized silkies. I personally have never had silkies but I've seen them in person and can get quite large. I think bantams would be a good idea to have in that space but probably not standard sized chickens. Maybe other people will have different opinions/insights/suggestions to offer

 

[pennyJo1960]

Hard to figure to have3 a few banty eggs will be banty size.
3 or small person is common.
I would suggest 3 large bird look at the sight coop for easy tractor.
Mine was made of conduit and wood great plan 2 large wheels make it easy to move.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Who owns the fence? If it's shared property with the neighbor you will most likely need their permission to build anything into it. Do you have set back restrictions as far as keeping livestock? The next house is awfully close.

How is the drainage there? I see a drain for the downspout but does that ever flood or backup? If you put a run there, will maintaining the drain be an issue?

Realistically it's not a terribly large space (and more importantly, it's narrow) so even 4 bantams might be pushing it as you are likely very limited in space to expand if needed since 3 of 4 sides are set.

 

[ksmalls11]

@talkinboutchickens The fence is only a few years old, still very sturdy. I'm pretty sure most of what I've seen available around here are bantams, so we must be on the right track!

@rosemarythyme We're in the city! The houses are very close on both sides, although we have a little more space behind us- our yard, carport and alleyway before our neighbor's garage and yard.... local restrictions are 5 hens and 1 crowing rooster, although I'd like to avoid roos if I can. No restrictions on how far away they must be. We have neighbors a block away with a small coop along their fence that hasn't been an issue at all.
We are able to build on the fence, although I'm not sure the best way to do that. Initially I thought we could build a free standing run and slide it in, but I don't want to lose anymore of the already narrow space.
We haven't had any issues with drainage. I'm sure we could tweak the placement of the downspout if necessary, but it's been fine so far!

My other question- what would be the best way to add a roof to the run? We'd like to leave the it open (eg just predator protection) and have weather protection in the coop itself. It stays shaded most of the day, so I'm not worried about direct sun, and the houses do a good job protecting from serious rain. But I'd love ideas here. I thought about adding some version of garden hoops to make the top a little taller (my husband is just about even with the top of the fence) but I'm not sure how we would attach that to the house?

@rosemarythyme additionally, we can always expand out towards the yard. The deck is 12ft deep (so the chicken space would be equally narrow unfortunately, but would double the square footage.) I'm hoping we can do something cool with all the space, even if it is long and skinny. We can also do chicken tractors out in the yard- although we are hoping not to ruin ALL of the grass. Would it be safe to have them free range in the yard if we supervise, or is that asking for trouble? We don't have large predators, but definitely neighbor cats and small hawks.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Initially I thought we could build a free standing run and slide it in, but I don't want to lose anymore of the already narrow space.

If you build something free standing one other thing to take into account is how easy/difficult it would be to do maintenance on your house wall and fence if needed. Something to consider as well.

My other question- what would be the best way to add a roof to the run? We'd like to leave the it open (eg just predator protection) and have weather protection in the coop itself. It stays shaded most of the day, so I'm not worried about direct sun, and the houses do a good job protecting from serious rain. But I'd love ideas here. I thought about adding some version of garden hoops to make the top a little taller (my husband is just about even with the top of the fence) but I'm not sure how we would attach that to the house?

That might be trickier because yes you want to make sure you and your family can fit in there for clean up and maintenance.

I myself don't have a roofed run so I'm not sure what to suggest, in terms of how to attach it in a set up like this.

@rosemarythyme additionally, we can always expand out towards the yard. The deck is 12ft deep (so the chicken space would be equally narrow unfortunately, but would double the square footage.) I'm hoping we can do something cool with all the space, even if it is long and skinny. We can also do chicken tractors out in the yard- although we are hoping not to ruin ALL of the grass. Would it be safe to have them free range in the yard if we supervise, or is that asking for trouble? We don't have large predators, but definitely neighbor cats and small hawks.

Expanding the run would help if you were hoping for 4 birds. Even with a flock that's raised together, having more space will help reduce the chances of behavioral issues before they arise. Limited free range or limited tractor time could help, but is less effective than if they simply have the option for more space from the get go.

I do free range in the afternoon with supervision. While large BoPs have been known to snatch birds away from right in front a human it's probably not the norm. Biggest thing I've seen while out with the flock was a bear... at least you don't have that to deal with!

 

[aart]

I would not try to build animal housing in that space.

 

[ksmalls11]

@aart can you elaborate please? What is your biggest concern?

 

[aart]

@aart can you elaborate please? What is your biggest concern?

@rosemarythyme hit most of them.

 

[Krugerrand]

Have you considered quail? A quail hutch may fit in there nicely.