As I research and design my coop, I will update this page!
I'm building a coop for four laying hens, but I want it to be just large enough for six. In researching, these are the things that I want to keep in mind:
Coop Dimensions:
  • Interior sq. ft.: 9' minimum, 16' actual
  • Perch length: 40"-54", 48" actual
  • Perch height 30"-36" high, 30" actual
  • 2 Nesting boxes: 12" wide, 15" tall, 13" deep, 18" above floor level, each, 12"x12"x12" and 12" high actual
  • Chicken "pop-hole" door: 10" wide by 13" tall
Coop construction:
  • Use styrofoam board insulation
  • Aluminum roofing
  • Linoleum flooring OR hardware cloth with linoleum-lined slide-out catch tray
  • Light above feeder
  • Outside waterer
  • Southern window
  • Eastern ventilation
  • No alternate perching options other than perches
  • Nesting boxes on the east
  • Human access door on the west
Run:
  • Must protect against skunks, racoons, dogs, and cats
  • Run sq. ft.: 48'-60'
  • Use 1/2" hardware cloth
  • Bury cloth 12" deep, minimum and apron 6" minimum