8x8 Playhouse Coop

[swift081702]

We're finally making headway and feel like there is an end in sight. This is the larger version of Denis's Playhouse Coop.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=29748-8x8-playhouse-coop

Now, we're trying to figure out what to put in the run? We're looking at sand. Any type of sand in particular?

 

[ducks4you]

Nice job! I like your big window for good ventilation.

 

[SunnyChic]

Wow! That's a beautiful coop!

 

[trilyn]

Oh how pretty!

 

[r-l-newell]

Well Done. It looks great.

 

[chickpeaz]

Please bear with a newbie...I think I need clarification on terminology.

I've read several places that you need at least 4 sq ft per bird. But looking at this 8x8 coop I see there's only a small portion that's enclosed. Is the open area considered to be part of the "coop," or is that "run" space?

We were planning to build an 8x8 fully-enclosed structure (garden shed style) for 15 birds, plus a large fenced outdoor area with at least partial cover. I've been calling the building a "coop" and the outdoor yard area a "run." Is the 4 sq ft per bird required inside the coop structure, or is that a total requirement for all the area the birds occupy (coop and run)? Can/should I scale back the coop size if they're going to have a big 'ol chicken yard, too?

Thanks for your help, and sorry to hijack the thread...I'm just so confused!

 

[sangel4you]

swift I am wondering about the sand also...

 

[Jenski]

Quote:
I am loving the sand option for my 3rd coop/run, which was put up for my feather-footed bantam breeds. I have tried two kinds of sand, regular coarse sandbox sand and finer-grain leveling sand, and I found the leveling sand packed tighter but the sandbox sand was easier for the girls to dig in. I don't have a particular preference, although when I clean the run with a cat litter shovel the sandbox sand is just a tad easier to shovel through.

Either way, I liked the sand so much for cleanup and drainage that I went back and added it to BOTH my other chicken runs. It's great!

Folks with construction or other "sand" experience may have better, more technical terms for the sand types. Hope they chime in!

Good luck with your run!

 

[sangel4you]

do you ever have to completely change the sand or anything like that?

 

[redoak]

Looks great so far