6x6 coop with a 6x15 run

[pappy1264]

Would this be enough space for 8 chickens and 1 bantam?

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

Yes.

Don't forget to provide shade (even a pallet elevated on concrete blocks or a tarp) in the run, and some spot in the run that is wind-protected in winter.

If you are going to be making the coop yourself, plywood comes in 8 foot lengths. You might design it with this in mind to save some cuts. Personally I love shed coops.

Don't forget that the only predator-proof lining for windows and type of fencing is 1/2 inch hardware cloth. Rats and weasels can get through anything else, and coons can get through chicken wire like it isn't even there.

 

[pappy1264]

Thank you. The coop and run will have a continuous roof over it all, the back 'wall' will be all plywood, on both the run and the coop (the bottom will be sunk into the ground with wire extending out around the the whole thing). The coop will be elevated, so they can also go underneath it, as well. It will have three windows, vents at the ceiling on all the walls (with drop down doors if we need to cover any vents up in really bad winter weather.) It will be wired for electricity, will have small fans at the top of both the coop and the run (covered in wire to protect them), a light for winter in both the coop and also one in the run. We will have solar lights (with very soft lighting) around the outside so we can see the whole area at night (may even put a motion light on the end of the run on the outside to really be able to keep an eye on it at night, as we live right on the woods). It will have the exterior nestboxes, with a vent above them, as well (again, with a door that can be closed in extreme weather.) A poop board that is hinged, so I can drop it down to get in there and really clean the floor. Double roosts over it. I will also be making a 'sand box' to go under the coop for them to have their dust bath area. The coop will be insulated and the inside of the roof will have that reflective material on it to help cool it is summer, heat in winter. Oh, the lights will also have wire covers on them. Also will be doing a border around the whole thing with large rocks as an extra predator protection. I do wildlife rehab and have my squirrel release cage out there, never had one issue. Both will be inside our 10x6x30 heavy duty dog kennel. The end of the run will have a door I can open to let them have access to the whole kennel as well (supervised, and I can tarp the top of the kennel when I plan to let them out into there, to protect from hawks.) Also will build a box that will hold the metal barrels with lids with their supplies in it, as well. I 'think' I have covered everything. If anyone has any ideas on anything we should add, please let me know. (Oh, I saw someone had one of those canvas foldable chairs in their run, that their chickens like to use...they called it 'the hen hammock', so will have one of those too, as I thought that was adorable. Will also have natural branches in the run to roost on, as well.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

Wow! Sounds great!

 

[pappy1264]

Thank you. Been reading, looking at tons of pics of coops and getting things I like from different coops to incorporate into ours. My biggest concerns are safety first, then ease of cleaning, and of course, my girls all be happy and healthy, so they will lay lots of eggs (and besides when the do stop laying, it will be a great 'retirement home', as they are also my pets, and they will live out their lives with us. I could NEVER do anything else!) It will also be painted to match our home and shed, in red, black and grey (may also do false shutters so it matches the house if I can get them. Hubby is building, but he might draw the line somewhere...lol)

 

[AliNaz]

Could you share some pictures of your finished coop? Please