Building my first coop

[Epnh77]

I’m pretty new to having chickens, and decided to build a coop after starting the spring and summer in a pre-fab that was clearly not going to work for the New Hampshire winter. I’m no carpenter, so this has been a learning experience for sure. Currently I still need to add siding, trim, and a permanent run — I did what I could to move them in as it’s getting colder now. Since taking the last picture I’ve added a window that can be opened.

My next hurdle is keeping everyone alive all winter.

 

[Epnh77]

 

[Justso]

That looks great!
Since you're lining with tyvek, I would suggest a lot of ventilation.

 

[aart]

Leave it open between the rafters both high and low for winter ventilation.

 

[AltonaAcres]

Fill the bottom with 2ish feet of straw. That will insulate it very well.

 

[imnukensc]

Looks very good, but----there's always a but----if you keep the run where it is now, you're going to have a very wet run due to rain and melting snow.

 

[jthornton]

You will want to extend the roof over the nest box about 2' to keep snow and rain off of it. Easy to do before you finish. Also put a roof over the run slanting to the rear of the first photo because rain/melting snow will from the coop will go into the run making it muddy.

JT

 

[Epnh77]

Fill the bottom with 2ish feet of straw. That will insulate it very well.

Thank you for the suggestion. I added tyvek on the floor at someone’s suggestion as well — idea being to keep it from rotting out too quickly.

 

[Epnh77]

You will want to extend the roof over the nest box about 2' to keep snow and rain off of it. Easy to do before you finish. Also put a roof over the run slanting to the rear of the first photo because rain/melting snow will from the coop will go into the run making it muddy.

JT

Thanks! I am starting to plan the new run now and will do that. I hadn’t thought about overhang for the nesting box but that makes a lot of sense.

 

[Epnh77]

Leave it open between the rafters both high and low for winter ventilation.

I have a small vent under the two overhangs and this larger one over the door... do you think more is needed? Also the window opens completely for warmer weather.