200sq foot coop: can it be fetching?

[Steven Bussell]

Thanks for the good suggestions. As far as capacity, Suppose i build a “grower” shed for juveniles that are old enough to leave the brooder? I won’t be doing uncontrolled chicken math. Hens past production age, pullets that don’t meet criteria, and extra roosters will be fulfilling their destiny in a nutritious manner. The goal is to cap the laying population at 50.

Garish/subdued? Well on that point, I am thinking that if I do something a little special it might help bring me egg buyers. I can sell ungraded shell eggs on location to my hearts content. My wife suggested a lighthouse with a glowing egg instead of a beacon. I have the skills, maybe not the time.

I hear you about having the skills but not the time .
My wife thought I was going to build a simple coop. I use to built custom homes. Why should nt I build something nice for myself. But working 16 hours days 7 days a week isn't living.
Build what you have to have. Add the wow when you have time.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Suppose i build a “grower” shed for juveniles that are old enough to leave the brooder?

That's basically what I have, a grow-out coop/run at the other end of my main run. That "coop" is really just a shelter. With your three clans and day range privileges, once the chicks learn to sleep in their place at night, let them range with the others during the day. That should make integration a snap.

I won’t be doing uncontrolled chicken math. Hens past production age, pullets that don’t meet criteria, and extra roosters will be fulfilling their destiny in a nutritious manner. The goal is to cap the laying population at 50.

It's good to see someone with clear goals and self-control. The logistics issue you may have is timing. You probably want the hens to lay the entire laying season, up until they start to molt and quit laying. But that year's pullets will be growing and starting to lay, probably long before the older hens molt. Where do they lay if they don't have access to the same nests each day? Is your max 50 number what you overwinter or does it include how many you have in fall/summer? I over-winter 6 to 8 hens each year but when the pullets are laying and I'm evaluating which ones I want to keep I may have close to 20 hens/pullets laying at one time.

Garish/subdued? Well on that point, I am thinking that if I do something a little special it might help bring me egg buyers. I can sell ungraded shell eggs on location to my hearts content. My wife suggested a lighthouse with a glowing egg instead of a beacon. I have the skills, maybe not the time.

I like your wife already.