Approve My Final Coop/Run Design

[paneubert]

My only comment is that if you do have the coop access inside the run fence, have your coop door swing towards the left/closer run wall versus swinging towards the open area of your run. The way you have it drawn, opening the coop door will block access to the run with a wheelbarrow, etc.... See what I mean in your drawing? With the door swung open, you would need to walk all the way counterclockwise around the coop to get to the run wall gate/the open area of the run.

Unless the swinging door you drew is not to scale and you could get between the run fence and the open coop door with a wheelbarrow. If so, ignore my entire comment....

Replying to myself here....

Or ensure coop door can swing a full 180 degrees and lie flush with the side of the coop. Then you have plenty of room to access the coop.

 

[pennyJo1960]

You have many ideas I will just high hope it all works in your favor and I will
watch

 

[imnukensc]

You've gotten some great advice. All I will add is that it looks like your nest boxes are 12x12x12. While that's considered quite adequate I feel that's too small for LF. I'd make them 16x16x16. I'd also make the clean out door a double door so that it can be opened the full width of the coop and like others have said, I wouldn't put the coop in the run.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Sorry to sound stupid again, but why is it bad to enter the run to get to the coop? I feel like if the coop is inside the enclosed run it's just extra safe.

Is there any harm in having "too many" nest boxes, or is it just unnecessary?

I have to go into the run to get to my coop, works for me but that's up to each person to figure out. And yes I figured it's an extra layer of security as well.

Extra nest boxes don't hurt but I'd personally not spend the money or space on them if they're not necessary.

Also wanted to note that if you really like the size you've planned (6x9) it may or may not cost extra compared to something like 8x8 which uses standard lumber lengths. The shed builder I used didn't charge extra but in some cases it can cost more, if your builder is separating out charges for materials vs labor let's say.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Oh and before I forget (again) you have 8x10 slated for an auto door I assume? If so I'd order the door now, and have the builder cut the opening to fit the one you choose. They're all slightly different in size so that's how you'll get the best fit for the opening.

 

[AmyJane725]

My only comment is that if you do have the coop access inside the run fence, have your coop door swing towards the left/closer run wall versus swinging towards the open area of your run. The way you have it drawn, opening the coop door will block access to the run with a wheelbarrow, etc.... See what I mean in your drawing? With the door swung open, you would need to walk all the way counterclockwise around the coop to get to the run wall gate/the open area of the run.

Unless the swinging door you drew is not to scale and you could get between the run fence and the open coop door with a wheelbarrow. If so, ignore my entire comment....

Eh, the door is to scale. It would open completely with 6" of clearance left between it and the fence. You are right though, it should open toward the corner, not the open run area. That's a good point. Thanks for that.

 

[AmyJane725]

Also wanted to note that if you really like the size you've planned (6x9) it may or may not cost extra compared to something like 8x8 which uses standard lumber lengths. The shed builder I used didn't charge extra but in some cases it can cost more, if your builder is separating out charges for materials vs labor let's say.

I did like it, but I'm not married to it. I'm almost considering downsizing a bit just because it seems I technically only need 28 sqft if I follow the 4sqft/bird rule. I just wanted them to have a chicken mansion, but it's kind of too big for the enclosure I feel like. It's better to have a big run than a big coop, right? As far as their comfort is concerned? Cause like it has been pointed out, the keeper door barely clears the back of the fence with the chicken ramp almost coming to the front of the fence.

Oh and before I forget (again) you have 8x10 slated for an auto door I assume? If so I'd order the door now, and have the builder cut the opening to fit the one you choose. They're all slightly different in size so that's how you'll get the best fit for the opening.

Yeah, the 8x10 is for an auto door. That was just a number I took from an Amazon question that someone had asked. Definitely wouldn't bet money that it's correct. I'm ramping up to order all my supplies. Trying to make sure I get exactly the right things. Time is fast approaching though. I'm nervous. >.<

And as far as the nest boxes go, I'm loathe to admit it, but I'm pretty OCD (weird for someone who wants to keep poopy dusty animals, I know) and I really like things to be symmetrical. I had considered having just three nest boxes and putting them on the back of the coop, but I thought they were kinda cute hanging off the sides, but I couldn't bear to have just one side have them Stupid, I know. I probably should just have them on the back and have the keeper door on one side and the litter tray access hatch on the other. Then I could have the roost going the length of the coop and have a litter tray just under the roosts, not having to cover the entire floor of the coop because the whole thing has roosts over it. Ugh, I'm so indecisive...

 

[pennyJo1960]

Okay lets add to confusion invite you to our state thread after you get done
or anytime many of us
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...me-together-washington-peeps.717207/page-4587

 

[AmyJane725]

Nope, not at all. (As in, there is no harm in having too many nestboxes) Just unused nestbox area could be a wire fronted cage area for a broody or chick raising, or a closed up area to store treats and chicken "stuff", or.....

Now, I hadn't really planned on hatching out more chicks (though I can't say I'd be disappointed if it happened, but I'd need to find new homes for them). How exactly does it work as far as what momma needs? I figured she'd just sit on the eggs in the nest box until the babies hatch, and probably keep them in there a while. Is she supposed to be separated so the others don't hurt the babies?

 

[AmyJane725]

Okay lets add to confusion invite you to our state thread after you get done
or anytime many of us
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...me-together-washington-peeps.717207/page-4587

Thanks, Penny. lol. I appreciate it. I am thoroughly confused, but that's alright. It's all part of the learning process. It's crazy, because on the one hand, chickens are supposed to be so easy to keep, but there's just so much that goes into getting ready for them.

What do you talk about on that thread, just anything chicken related, or is it supposed to be stuff specific to raising chickens in WA?