My First Coop

[allanb]

I've read the popular rule of 4 square feet per chicken. Is that the rule for space in the run or for the coop itself? I just received my 8 chicks Thursday. I was thinking of building a 6x8 coop. A little bigger than I need but would allow for growth if we get some more chickens. Any thoughts on the size?

 

[flyin-lowe]

After I built my rafters I ran purlins made of 1x2 across the rafters and up the outer edges to the peak and screwed my metal directly to that. This gave me a lot of ventilation via the eaves. I also did not run my metal all the way to the peak, I left it short about 2 inches so I have a 4-5 inch opening all the way across the top of my coop, which is covered by hardware cloth and then the ridge cap.

I also put some "double bubble" insulation that I had left over from my pole barn build a couple years ago on top of my rafters before I put the purlins on. This has some insulation value and is designed in the pole barn to keep moisture from building on the metal roof and dripping down. I am assuming it will do the same in the coop and have some insulation value. If for some reason it doesn't work out I can easily cut it out from the inside with a box knife.

 

[allanb]

Its finally time to start on the run.

 

[allanb]

Galvanized poultry staples.

 

[Chicken Egg 17]

I think a 4x8 coop would be plenty big enough for eight chickens and still have room for more and the 4 sq feet per bird is four the run not the coop they need like 1-2 sq feet in the coop

 

[Pork Pie]

I've read the popular rule of 4 square feet per chicken. Is that the rule for space in the run or for the coop itself? I just received my 8 chicks Thursday. I was thinking of building a 6x8 coop. A little bigger than I need but would allow for growth if we get some more chickens. Any thoughts on the size?

The 4 sq ft refers to space in the coop (not accounting for feeders / waterers, nests etc). This suggestion is made in order to provide a tolerable environment for your flock should the weather be unsuitable for them to be outdoors. Roost space is recommended to be 2 sq ft.

I'd go for as bigger coop as you can - as you say chicken maths get to us all. A garden shed is my personal preference, but if you check out the coop section, you'll see more designs that you've had hot dinners!

All the best
CT

 

[Percheron chick]

6x8 should be your minimum. It will allow for some growth of your flock and better air circulation. Follow the 4 square feet rule as a general guideline for coop space. Save floor space by building the nesting boxes outside.

 

[bigt447]

I have l0 layers and my 8x4x4 coop is plenty roomy for them and 3 layer boxes on each end. They only are there to lay and roost. Have 4 roost bars and they only use about 1/3 of the space on them. Plus, much less cutting to build with five 8x4 sheets of plywood.

 

[aart]

The most often cited 'rule of thumb' is 4 sq ft per bird in coop, 10 sqft per bird in run.
But that is a bare minimum IMO, especially if you live in a cold climate.

I'd go 8x8 for material efficiency and ease of adding birds later(you need extra space when adding birds)....more space the better and easier things will be....
...and go 8 tall too, better ventilation mangement.

 

[allanb]

With regards to ventillation. I know someone that used a metal roof on their coop. Instead of fastening the roofing to plywood he screwed the roofing directly to the rafters and uses the ridges in the metal roof to act as ventillation. Sounds interesting. Any thoughts on that?