Beginning at the Beginning

[vlantz]

Howdy all chicken neighbors!

I am beginning my design and construction work on our very first coop. As you can tell, I'm going for simple here. The drawing is NOT to scale, so I will outline it here for you.

The height of the run is 3 feet, except where the coop is, which is 2 feet, and will total 10 feet long. The coop is 4 1/2 feet tall on the short side, sloping up for weather. The interior dimensions on the coop run 2 1/2 feet tall on the short side, 3 feet deep and 4 feet wide, plus the nest boxes which will be 1 X 1 and totally four.

We are looking at four layers (because my wife won't eat anything she has named. LOL)

Questions:
1. Have I missed anything?

2. Would you recommend water and food on the inside of the coop or outside...or both?

3. Are my dimensions correct for 4 layers?

4. Anything else?

Thanks

 

[mikecnorthwest]

Are you going to put in any side openings for ventilation? Also, have you thought about how you will access the coop for cleaning?

 

[math ace]

I have water inside and out. They tend to drink mostly from the water outside because it is closer. However, I understand that once the water gets hot enough - during the summer - they stop drinking it. So, I plan on keeping the other waterer inside the coop so that it is cooler.

On rainy days, they stay in the coop, and drink from the waterer inside too.

I keep the food in the coop. We have wild birds that are small enough to fit through the wire fence walls.
I think keeping the food in the coop keeps the wild birds away from the food. I also don't have to worry about the food container getting wet or the food getting wet if it is inside the coop.

 

[vlantz]

Quote:
I have thought about it. I am looking at slates at the top, covered in wire of course, that can be opened or closed depending.

On one side will be a large access door for cleaning and such.

 

[vlantz]

Quote:
Sounds good. Thanks.

 

[j3707]

vlantz - I'd just go with one or two nest boxes for four layers. I've had up to six using just one box and they liked it just fine.

I like the idea of food inside and water outside.

Having water outside:
1) Saves some floor space

2) it forces chickens to get some exercise in inclement weather. A little rain wont hurt 'em.

3) might keep moisture levels down inside the coop (and at least you won't have wet litter if it spills).

If freezing is an issue, you may want the water inside during the winter.

 

[vlantz]

I have noticed in the pictures, most opt for a hanging water and feed feeder. Why?

Is pine shavings really a miracle in the coop for odor control and such?

 

[vlantz]

Quote:
How many chickens could I comfortably host in a coop/run this size?

 

[gsim]

Quote:

I would do continuous ventilation all around the top wherever possible to vent heat, humidity, and fumes. This is important year-round, not just in summertime.
I would feed inside and water outside. Helps keep litter drier and makes chores easier and keeps pests to a minimum. (harder for them to find food inside)
I would make the run tall enough to stand up in. You will never regret it. Make the pop door so it can be opened/closed/locked from outside the run if possible. Makes night time lockdown easier and faster.
Go with the deep litter method and do make a poop board. Make it 24" wide and the length of the roost. Make it of osb and glue linoleum on it for easier scraping

Scrape daily for keeping both litter and air cleaner in coop. You may only have to change litter once or twice a year this way.
I would add windows on minimum of two sides for added ventilation in warm weather and for interior light as well.
You need it to be bigger for 4 layers. 4 x 4 is minimum and you will be glad you did when those winter days keep the girls inside all day.
You only need two nest boxes. Use the other space for supplies. Be sure to use a flexible flashing to keep water out of hinged area. A piece of sheet rubber is good, or a length of vinyl baseboard is another way. Extended roof overhang will help in this area too, and if done correctly, can provide you with shelter from rain as you gather eggs on rainy days.
Make full-width acces doors for cleaning.
Make it taller, minimum 5 to 6 ft. A taller more airy coop is always better for air quality. Put roost up so it is 12" from wall and put your 24" poop board under it. A slide out poop board would be great for quick cleaning. You will be glad you did.

Take long breaks, short puffs, laugh a lot, and work safely.

Gerry

 

[vlantz]

Thanks for all the great info. I'll make some changes and post the new design.