Best coop for 4 Chickens

[aart]

My boyfriend and I have decided on building an A-Frame coop. They seem simple to make and I like that they are easily moved. Will start this weekend. Wish us luck!!

Beware the lack of head room above/around roost if high in the peak and that they often don't shed the weather well. What is your location/climate?

 

[Dayrel]

they often don't shed the weather well.

Can you clarify this? I'd think they would handle wind, rain & snow better than squarish coops.

 

[aart]

Can you clarify this? I'd think they would handle wind, rain & snow better than squarish coops.

If sides completely covered, yes.
But windows, vents, doors on slanted sides, not so much.

 

[jmurf]

Having gone through this recently, go bigger than you think. I started with a coop from the Urban Coop Company with an extension(pic below). I thought it was ideal, at least it was until the chickens grew. Now I feel sorry for them. It's over 30 sq/ft of run, but the top is very low.


I'm about to begin construction on one like this, except mine will be around 5.5' x 10'. The one pictured below is 6x10. I'm trimming down to save weight since I will be putting a wheel kit on mine.

 

[The Cool Chick]

Beware the lack of head room above/around roost if high in the peak and that they often don't shed the weather well. What is your location/climate?

I was going to keep that in mind. I live North of Houston, TX so not much of a winter here. Rain in the spring. We just moved here so I am not 100% sure.

 

[aart]

I live North of Houston, TX so not much of a winter here. Rain in the spring.

Or in the fall during hurricane season.
Hot climate calls for big roof overhangs for shade and lots of wire mesh walls for ventilation.

 

[Dayrel]

I'm about to begin construction on one like this, except mine will be around 5.5' x 10'. The one pictured below is 6x10. I'm trimming down to save weight since I will be putting a wheel kit on mine.
View attachment 1130967

Nice looking, but I'm concerned about the weight. Mine is 3'x7'. I put a 2"x6" undercarriage under it to take all the stress of moving and not stress the relatively thin upper frame. It came out pretty heavy, but it does a good job of keeping the upper structure in good shape.

 

[jmurf]

I'm about to begin construction on one like this, except mine will be around 5.5' x 10'. The one pictured below is 6x10. I'm trimming down to save weight since I will be putting a wheel kit on mine.
View attachment 1130967

Nice looking, but I'm concerned about the weight. Mine is 3'x7'. I put a 2"x6" undercarriage under it to take all the stress of moving and not stress the relatively thin upper frame. It came out pretty heavy, but it does a good job of keeping the upper structure in good shape.
View attachment 1131754[/QUOTE]

I plan on using 1.5 x 4" aluminum tubing for the base. The wheels will be the cantilever style that I'll mount right at the tipping point. I hope it works out as planned.