Building a Better Coop: Coastal Challenges, Forest Solutions, and the Stuff Nobody Tells You

I just found this article by way of a thread discussion. Great information, good strategy and details with the build. Very valid points about building to your environment. The predation table made me chuckle and I learned something new about crabs. Reading this, I feel as though I was transported to a Carribean island, if only for a few minutes! It looks and sounds heavenly.

Excellent discussion of points that are relevant even for those of us not fending off pesky hermit crabs, from spousal bribes to knowing your windward side.

The predator-survey table is a nice touch, as are discussions of ground and drainage considerations, entrance/cleaning decisions, and how you consulted local keepers about chickenwire vs. hardware cloth. The pricelessness of local advice is often overlooked.

Unrelated, but if your entire slice of paradise is off-grid, I'm extra impressed with that pristine pool. Gorgeous setting.

Great article, and a great example of why it’s sometimes important to think outside the box.

I also deeply appreciate the approach of integrating with the environment, including weather, instead of ignoring it or defying it. This is an important mindset to develop.

Great article. Lots of good information and can be adapted to lots of climates.

This is an excellent article, very well written and a great design. We are in South Carolina, so we have hot humid summers and periods of freezing temps in the winter. So I can modify this by adding a way to secure "storm shutters" to retain warmth in the cold months. Thank you!

Great article well written. Interesting environment to handle but some of the specifics apply to everyone.
For example: know the wind direction, have big overhangs, and have big access for cleaning, are all wise regardless of your environment.

As a standard coop building article this article is decent. It's the other stuff, like the consideration for the environment the chickens live in, the provision of natural shade and protection that make the article a cut above many in my opinion.
If the chickens are ranging from dawn to dusk then this is an excellent attempt to make a home rather than a prison.

Great coop article! Love the pictures, explanations, instructions, and all of the extra information and justification for why you did what you did. It'll be easy for someone else to build one too. Nice job!

Terrific article, interesting photos...clear explanations given for dealing with some unique circumstances.