Any suggestions?

[horsesNchicks]

on what touches to add to this 4Hx8Lx4D on stilts to renovate into a simple but functional coop. I have 11 laying hens 3 weeks old But we are beginners. My BF works construction so he has skills but don't want too complex. I will cut the stilts down. How cool is this though it is a construction site plans table and all it cost was lunch.... I have a 4x6 finished coop they will start in when feathered. Thanks in advance. This is the run in progress with my small coop at the end also.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

What a great find!
Windows and ventilation -- plenty of each! I'd design your nest boxes to come out of one side and hang externally to preserve the internal space for your birds. I may or may not cut down the stilts - how high are they now? Having an area under the coop to use for shade while outside is nice, and I'd not make it too short because there may be a time you need to reach a bird, egg, etc that is in the far back corner of that area and the shorter it is the more likely you will be laying in chicken poop to do that.

 

[AdrienneG]

Our coop is almost the same dimensions (a little wider). We have two swing open doors on one side so we can easily clean the coop, grab a chicken, check eggs, etc. The other side we have a large door cut out with a slide to close and a ramp leading in to the chicken yard. We chose to keep the lay boxes internal as opposed to building on the outside, but mostly just because it was easier and we don't have a ton of chickens who need the space.

We put in a couple roosting bars, internal lay boxes, and a slanted, corrugated roof with 2 foot overhang to provide additional shade in the chicken yard.

Make sure to allow for sufficient airflow when designing. We ended up making 4 inch "windows" near the top of the coop and kept the bottom open using a heavy duty wiring. This makes it a lot easier to clean up the coop as well.

Good luck!

 

[horsesNchicks]

What a great find!
Windows and ventilation -- plenty of each! I'd design your nest boxes to come out of one side and hang externally to preserve the internal space for your birds. I may or may not cut down the stilts - how high are they now? Having an area under the coop to use for shade while outside is nice, and I'd not make it too short because there may be a time you need to reach a bird, egg, etc that is in the far back corner of that area and the shorter it is the more likely you will be laying in chicken poop to do that.

lol I am getting a visual of schooching through poop to tend to one.... I wanted it for shade but will measure it. I couldn't believe this plus wood to frame in the run was free except for a double burger and a rockstar for my friends son working on this construction site with the blessing of the boss save us newbies a ton of work and cash. I am going to have him do a tray to clean out the coop. I know this coop will be fantastic. They will free range too but that is the run that will house both coops in my little coopville.

 

[horsesNchicks]

Our coop is almost the same dimensions (a little wider). We have two swing open doors on one side so we can easily clean the coop, grab a chicken, check eggs, etc. The other side we have a large door cut out with a slide to close and a ramp leading in to the chicken yard. We chose to keep the lay boxes internal as opposed to building on the outside, but mostly just because it was easier and we don't have a ton of chickens who need the space.

We put in a couple roosting bars, internal lay boxes, and a slanted, corrugated roof with 2 foot overhang to provide additional shade in the chicken yard.

Make sure to allow for sufficient airflow when designing. We ended up making 4 inch "windows" near the top of the coop and kept the bottom open using a heavy duty wiring. This makes it a lot easier to clean up the coop as well.

Good luck!

Great ideas Thank you.

 

[Pstock44]

I got a 4x4x8 shipping crate free from work. I cut it down to 4x4x6, sloped the roof to shed rain, added internal nest boxes, feed storage, front opening vent/window and rear access door. I like a medium/low stilt support so they have shade and rain protection. You got a great start to your project!

 

[horsesNchicks]

I got a 4x4x8 shipping crate free from work. I cut it down to 4x4x6, sloped the roof to shed rain, added internal nest boxes, feed storage, front opening vent/window and rear access door. I like a medium/low stilt support so they have shade and rain protection. You got a great start to your project!

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Oh wow.....thanks so much that helps a lot.

 

[TalkALittle]

I've always thought that if I ever have an elevated coop that I'd want it high enough that I could just push a wheelbarrow up to the side and rake the bedding straight into it. So I'd cut your stilts down some, but not much.

 

[Pstock44]

My height was based on 2 things. Easy to reach in for cleaning (I have to reach around in front of the nest boxes), and plenty of shade/rain protection. The higher it is the less shade there is and the more rain that can blow under.

I also have self feeders that can last 3-4 days and they also stay dry. I've also not had to clean out under the coop yet and it's been in use for over 6 months.