1st coop vs. New coop

[scawthon74]

We have had chickens now for about 2 months. Keep in mind, my wife begged for 15 years for chickens and I finally gave in.

The first pic is of our 1st coop. It was fine for our first bunch, but was outgrown within 3 weeks. Finally getting close to having the new coop done. 2nd and 3rd pics are of the new one. The new one has a feed room large enough to house feed barrel, straw, and a brooder. It also has 14 nesting boxes.

 

[PetesChicks]

Is that going to be all ventilation at the top? If so, good job on providing plenty but you might want to add roof overhangs to stop rain from getting in. Also, 14 nesting boxes is way more than you need for a coop that size, that would be enough for about 70 hens. But it also looks like they are something you might have bought, not made, when I looked at the picture a second time.

Great looking coop, and

 

[scawthon74]

Is that going to be all ventilation at the top? If so, good job on providing plenty but you might want to add roof overhangs to stop rain from getting in. Also, 14 nesting boxes is way more than you need for a coop that size, that would be enough for about 70 hens. But it also looks like they are something you might have bought, not made, when I looked at the picture a second time.

Great looking coop, and

As for the ventilation, yes that what the is around the top. I will be making fold down doors for those across the front that can be close during bad weather and winter time to reduce some cold air flow. The nesting boxes were given by a neighbor, but when I add the perches to them, I will be able to flip the perch up to close off one row. The nesting boxes will also be accessible for the outside with a pull up bifold door. The entry and exit for the chickens will also have a fold down door to lock them down at night.

The pen will be completely cover with arched pvc and chicken wire. The gate to enter the pen will on the far end and will be framed so it can be covered with chicken wire.

There will also be an awning off the coop to allow shade and protection from rain for the feed.

 

[scawthon74]

The weakest part of this thing is actually the roof. The siding is damaged panels from a semi trailer. They are a composite material covered in both sides by aluminum. I have had them for 2 years from when I worked at a large trailer repair facility.

 

[rosemarythyme]

After 15 years you sure gave in hard! Good job recognizing that the first coop was going to be too small and taking steps to fix that.

I don't know what types of predators you might have in your area, but keep in mind that chicken wire is good for keeping chickens in, but not so good for keeping predators out.

 

[scawthon74]

There are some owls, hawks, and snakes. Not sure what else I have around here.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Against aerial predators chicken wire is probably sufficient. Snakes, depends on how big... I only seem to get garter snakes so they're free to go where they want.

Things like raccoons, skunks, possums, coyotes, stray dogs, are common across most of the US and those can tear up chicken wire.

 

[scawthon74]

Here on in our little area, we have a few coyotes, but not much of anything else in the immediate are, at least not the we have had to deal with yet. We do have copperheads, water moccasins, cotton mouths, rat snakes, and a variety of other snakes. I have had to kill one rat snake. Found it in my coop with an egg in its mouth.

 

[PetesChicks]

Coyotes would tear chicken wire apart, you’re better off with welded wire or hardware cloth. Other than that everything looks good. The nest boxes look good, and free is always good! Make sure you pay the neighbor back with some fresh eggs!

 

[aart]

Welcome to BYC!
Grats on going bigger!

The weakest part of this thing is actually the roof.

Could use some overhangs to protect vents and windows.

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