about to build an a-frame coop

[chickymama90]

My husband and I are about to build a coop for our not-so-little-anymore chicks!

I have decided to go with an a-frame due to limited space in our urban back yard, but I would like to hear from those of you with an a-frame. Any suggestions about ramp placement? I've heard that the chickens are afraid of using the ladder at first...Should I make it a permanent ramp or one that can be drawn up at night?

Also wondering about space in the coop...how do you arrange the nest boxes and roost? Obviously don't want them poo-ing in the nest boxes!

Any pics and comments would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

There are some A-frames in the tractor section of the coops tab https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/chicken-tractors-mobile-chicken-coop-designs - might give you a place to start looking to get ideas of what pieces you would like to take from them to put into practice in your design.

The ramp being fixed or moveable is up to you - if you do install it as a fixed item you can easily install a 'door' that can be used to close the entrance if/when you want.

 

[junebuggena]

Make sure you build it big enough. Your birds will need at least 3 square feet of floor space per bird, so make it a minimum of 18 square feet. You will need additional square footage for nest boxes. Keep in mind that during bad weather, your birds will most likely not leave their coop.

 

[junebuggena]

You also need 1.5 feet of roosting space per bird. Roost should be at least two inches wide, and flat. If you live somewhere that gets really cold in winter, make it four inches wide, so they can keep their feet warm.

 

[chickymama90]

Make sure you build it big enough. Your birds will need at least 3 square feet of floor space per bird, so make it a minimum of 18 square feet. You will need additional square footage for nest boxes. Keep in mind that during bad weather, your birds will most likely not leave their coop.

the plans we are using will have the run at 40 square ft, so we should be good there! didn't think about the bad weather thing...thanks for that!

 

[junebuggena]

I was talking about coop space. Do not include run space as coop space, they are two different things. Indoor floor space for your 6 adult hens should be no less than 18 square feet.