I am planning to build a small (8x8) coop for 10 or so laying hens. I live in south central Alabama on mostly flat pasture land. My 5 acre property drains into a ditch in back that feeds a 25 acre pond. Considering noise, waste odor, ease of access, etc. how far should I put the coop from the house? Any rules of thumb? Thanks.
Put it no further than you can comfortably walk to get the eggs, feed and water them, lock them up at night, or respond to predators. I have noticed since I have gotten the senior discount at the cafe, I can't walk as far or fast as I once did.
It all depends on the degree of sensitivety your olifactor senses can sense. [img]/forums/images/icons/grin.gif[/img] [img]/forums/images/icons/grin.gif[/img]
Egon
It also effects your footing. You don't want to walk in "IT" right at your door, do you? Noise? A crowing rooster will still be audible within a short hike and the hens and chicks are just good ambient country sound effects.
[img]/forums/images/icons/smile.gif[/img] Pat [img]/forums/images/icons/smile.gif[/img]
"I'm not from your planet, monkey boy!"
common sense but it never hurts to ask. I have another question I'll post separate. Thanks, again. [img]/forums/images/icons/wink.gif[/img]
Straw and/ or wood chips really help w/ the poop getting into the house. I have 4 kids and the high point of the day is getting the eggs. We had stuff coming in all the time until I spend straw all over the floor, about 2 in deep. Took care of almost all of the problem .
http://www.poultryconnection.com/phpBB2/index.php
The have the poultry answers!
its 5 o'clock somewhere
We like hearing the roosters!
its 5 o'clock somewhere
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote