Coop design feedback requested

As I stated in my intro I’m thinking that the space under my deck would provide a very manageable coop and run. I could hang the coop from the deck joists with chain thereby eliminating legs and then the run would be much easier to rake, clean, etc. I could also reposition the coop without concerning myself with having to stabilize legs or level the coop.

The deck is 12’ deep by 40’, but I wouldn’t use all of this space. 4 hens with say a 12’ x 20’ run would live on a reservation. The coop would be 4’ in width providing a 4’ space between it and the wall of the house and the hardware cloth around the edge of the deck. The nest box would protrude from the hardware cloth for easy access. I would frame a door at the opposite end of the run facing the coop.

To help camouflage the coop I would plant climbing ivy around the outside of the hardware cloth across the end and around the corner past the coop for 10’ or so. This would provide approx 10’ of unobstructed afternoon sun for the run, but shade the coop end and help control it’s interior temp. And it would also hide the coop and “dress up” the area.

Beneath the deck floor joists I would attach fiberglass roofing panels (with appropriate grade) and a gutter to help keep the run dry.

I would really appreciate your feedback and suggestions. I only want to build this once. (he said) Next I will design the hanging coop and yes I will also ask you to "sign off" on it! LOL

Thanks!

Nothing is to scale in this pic except the deck height.

What is your climate?
Not sure why you want to hide the coop.
Shade can be good but they need exposure to sunlight too.
Keep airflow in mind too....ventilation in coop is key to healthy birds.

Odors a could be a problem, if you use the deck a lot it could be unpleasant.
Plan for water runoff from deck is sound...any other runoff you'd want to keep out of the run. Moisture usually means odors.

Wondering about interference between hanging coop and roofing panels for deck runoff.

Great minds!!!



My Coop Project is basically the same approach that you are contemplating.

aart said:

What is your climate?
Not sure why you want to hide the coop.
Shade can be good but they need exposure to sunlight too.
Keep airflow in mind too....ventilation in coop is key to healthy birds.

Odors a could be a problem, if you use the deck a lot it could be unpleasant.
Plan for water runoff from deck is sound...any other runoff you'd want to keep out of the run. Moisture usually means odors.

Wondering about interference between hanging coop and roofing panels for deck runoff.

Click to expand...

I'm in Denver so four seasons. Odor...yep...That could cause me to abandon placing it under the deck. The wife and guests are not "earthy". Lag bolts tight caulked through the panels "should" prevent leakage. I could extend the roofing panels passed the deck joists a couple of feet, but that wouldn't keep out blowing rain or drifting snow.

Thank you for your thoughtful feedback. Much appreciated.

How many birds are you thinking of getting?

Rock Home Isle said:

Great minds!!!



My Coop Project is basically the same approach that you are contemplating.

Click to expand...

As previously mentioned have you had issues with odor? From the looks of your coop it looks like you keep it clean. Does water drip into the run from the deck floor gaps?

Very nice coop BTW!

Rock Home Isle said:

How many birds are you thinking of getting?

Click to expand...

I'm limited to 4 hens by ordinance so chicken math won't factor into this.

You have the same restrictions that I do, 4 birds.

With a covered deck...no, weather making the run a muddy mess...no. It's very protected from weather.

I have had issues, isolated issues, with smell. Easy fix, fill the run with wood shavings and the smell goes away. This has occurred twice, when we get those nice periods of wet monsoon type weather that is becoming common in Colorado. And my house faces north, so with weather conditions that we have along the front range, the house also protects the coop and run from weather issues.

Keep in mind that my birds have access to the yard. They range all day in the grass, this goes a long ways towards keeping the run clean and odors down and out.



And after 4 years...still have lush green grass. My wife and my in-laws bet against that.


I'm excited about your project...post updates....and pictures.

I've previously read your "Coop Project" thread and I learned a lot. My deck is located on the West side of the house so its sunny and warm. I'm now wondering if the ivy climbing wall will interfere with ventilation. I'm on a hill and the neighbor's house behind me also sets above me and I thought I would provide a natural screen for the coop. This would allow me to not have to build something as nice as yours and the others I've seen here. (meaning an exterior finished look) IMO the coop and nesting box is utilitarian in nature for me as I don't want it to be a "feature" or architectural structure. My deck is 12 feet deep so I thought I could place the coop more toward the rear and hidden behind the climbing ivy. ??

I plan to free range them in the backyard as well.

I hear ya on function over form.....luckily I live where form is not a priority.

Shade, sunlight, and air flow are all important....prevailing winds can play a part in designing a coop and it's windows and ventilation.
Could you build the ivy wall supported on a trellis set back from the deck/coop?
Ivy can become destructively invasive upon a structure....it can also grow rather slowly, so another plant might be more fitting for quicker coverage.