Planning/Building my First ever Chicken Coop. Need help and ideas!

[Jkraft]

I understand all holes/vents/windows will be covered with hardware cloth to help protect my ladies. The coop is going in my back yard which is fenced in but that doesn't mean predators can't get in.

Not pictured (I added after) was 2 windows on each side of the coop. There not finished yet so I haven't taken a photo. They are the size of a top of a 5 gallon bucket. I thought that plus and about 20 holes would be enough. I wasn't sure that's why I haven't grilled any holes yet. So I need to make them a lot bigger. What size would you recommend? Thank you so much for all your help!

 

[Jkraft]

Maybe something more like this at the top?

 

[junebuggena]

Maybe something more like this at the top?

Something like that would be great. If you go with drilling holes, something like a 2 inch diameter would be better. Plenty of people have regretted not adding in enough ventilation. Few complain about putting in too much.

 

[Jkraft]

Okay, thank you so much! I think I'll go with the vents.

 

[henless]

The hinged vents would be perfect. You can open/close them as needed. It wouldn't hurt to put some on all sides of your coop, and just close the one/ones facing the wind during the Winter. Be sure and put a vent on the tallest side of your coop, since the fumes will travel up and follow the roof line.

 

[Jkraft]

Okay, thank you so much for your help! I have plans tonight but tomorrow I have the day off and hope to get as much done as possible. I can' wait to till I get to bring my girls home!

 

[Jkraft]

I made the door larger and added a ventilation window

Also added a window

The back is open where we will be attaching 2 nest boxes


Nest box just needs a divider in between, wood treated and paint then I will attack to the coop. We plan to attach it so that it hinges and opens up so I can easily clean the coop. The only way to clean it now is to remove the roof but it is heavy and once I raise the coop it will become even more difficult.

Do you think there is enough ventilation now? The one side of the coop has no window or door. I am thinking I will add add window.

 

[junebuggena]

You'll need one more ventilation window on the opposite side. That way you get air flow moving all the way across the roof line and out.

 

[Jkraft]

I also made a chicken nipple waterier. Very easy and cost less than $10





Step 1: drill holes to fit nipples


holes drilled insert nipple after removing all plastic

All finished and tested for leaks.

I purchased the nipples on amazon got 10 for less than $6 and the bucket from lowes $3. What do you think?

 

[Jkraft]

You'll need one more ventilation window on the opposite side. That way you get air flow moving all the way across the roof line and out.

Thank you! I had thought that but wasn't sure. I thought about adding a door with a window but not exactly sure yet. If all works out like planned with the nest box than I will just add a window. No need for the door. I thought I might need another door to open and clean it out.