8' x 8' raised coop? Suggestions please?

[Penny spender]

I have approx 8' x 16' space to turn into a coop and run this spring (chicken math has hit and the 4x6 coop is not enough!). I would like to have the coop (approx 8' x 8') raised so that the birds can make use of the entire space as an outdoor run while still having the raised coop to sleep/nest/eat/etc. I do let them free range as much as possible, but found that my girls would not leave the protected run at all this winter!

For a coop that size and raised, would you still make it a walk in? How high would you make it?Maybe a couple people sized steps up to it? I like the walk in idea so that I can have poop boards and easy access to cleaning, but wonder if its possible? Will it be possible to clean underneath it? (or catch silly birds who refuse to come out from under it?) Maybe a different coop configuration for the 8'x16' space would be easier?

I'm just in the planning stages....so bring it on!!!

 

[K813ZRA]

My first coop was raised and 8x8. I did not make it a walk in and I regret that to this day. It is hard to clean. Maybe it would be easier to clean if it were more narrow or if I had put double doors on at least two sides! But even with a rake or shovel it is hard to get to the front of the coop.

Walk in with a droppings board is great! So easy to clean. Also, with coops where the chickens can get under it, it can be a pain when they are younger because you have to crawl under there to get them if they are like my chicks were! But now that they are adults, no big deal. Just a bit of extra shade.

As for height, I made mine too high as well. It comes up to my waist, so around 3'. Again, makes it hard to clean because I have to hold the shovel/rake too high. Then again, I am short. (5'8'') That becomes a non issue if you make it a walk in. But if you don't a more natural height might be at or around knee level? Idk...

But there are a lot of folks on here who make wicked great coops and I am sure they will have ideas!

 

[aart]

How high would you make it?Maybe a couple people sized steps up to it?

High enough to crawl under there if necessary, that will also deter any other critters that might want to set up house underneath...I should add that to my height tips:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/coop-stack-up-how-high-should-stuff-be.73427/

Yep, steps and 'porch'.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/aarts-coop-page.65912/

 

[AllenK RGV]

I have approx 8' x 16' space to turn into a coop and run this spring (chicken math has hit and the 4x6 coop is not enough!). I would like to have the coop (approx 8' x 8') raised so that the birds can make use of the entire space as an outdoor run while still having the raised coop to sleep/nest/eat/etc. I do let them free range as much as possible, but found that my girls would not leave the protected run at all this winter!

For a coop that size and raised, would you still make it a walk in? How high would you make it?Maybe a couple people sized steps up to it? I like the walk in idea so that I can have poop boards and easy access to cleaning, but wonder if its possible? Will it be possible to clean underneath it? (or catch silly birds who refuse to come out from under it?) Maybe a different coop configuration for the 8'x16' space would be easier?

I'm just in the planning stages....so bring it on!!!

I think I would still do it as a walk in as I hate hitting my head on my current setup, they sell 4x4's in 10 and 12 foot lengths. So getting up higher shouldn't be an issue for you. I would keep them on 4 foot centers, and pay a handyman to plant them into concrete footings and ensure they were level personally because I wing things too much to trust myself to do it right! Best Wishes.

Allen

 

[Below frigid]

Yes do it as walk in. 4 - 4x4 post on 7 ft centers. 2 - 4x6 girders, 2x4 floor joist on 16 inch centers. 3\4 ply for floor. You will have to build stairs up to coop. I just built a deck just like this but 7x7. Found plastic shed on sale at Lowe's for under $600 fit right on top just had to bolt it down. Put a roost up and added so e nesting boxes. Cut a small hole near corner for hen door with ramp and auto door open and close. Post are down 18 inches in concrete.

 

[Below frigid]

Yes do it as walk in. 4 - 4x4 post on 7 ft centers. 2 - 4x6 girders, 2x4 floor joist on 16 inch centers. 3\4 ply for floor. You will have to build stairs up to coop. I just built a deck just like this but 7x7. Found plastic shed on sale at Lowe's for under $600 fit right on top just had to bolt it down. Put a roost up and added so e nesting boxes. Cut a small hole near corner for hen door with ramp and auto door open and close. Post are down 18 inches in concrete.[/QUOTE

If you build all from wood you will spend as much if not more than the plastic. Plastic equals no rott easy cleaning. Has plastic floor too. I did add some vents along the roof line.

 

[AllenK RGV]

The auto door is my next coop splurge. I speced it out to my Dad this week since he is the lifelong Ham radio operator/Electronic Technician. Congrats on having yours done with your initial build!

 

[Below frigid]

The auto door is my next coop splurge. I speced it out to my Dad this week since he is the lifelong Ham radio operator/Electronic Technician. Congrats on having yours done with your initial build!

After a bobcat squeezed into the only coop that did not have the door I installed another one on the coop that was lacking. Now all 3 are secure. Got the most simple one called Cheaper keeper. First one is going on second year with no problems. Same with the second one. Kind of pricey for what they are? They do an important job with me there or not. $200 an change.

 

[AllenK RGV]

After a bobcat squeezed into the only coop that did not have the door I installed another one on the coop that was lacking. Now all 3 are secure. Got the most simple one called Cheaper keeper. First one is going on second year with no problems. Same with the second one. Kind of pricey for what they are? They do an important job with me there or not. $200 an change.

I'm going to build must of mine just need to buy a 70 dollar actuator and let a family member do the soldering and basic electronic wizadry I cant. I can build doors and figure out the leverage needs for opening a door, but the light sensor part to activate the actuator is beyond my skill set.