ChickenOfSpades
Chirping
I'm back again on my hunt for coops. This time, I would love recommendations on chicken DIY coop plans from around the internet...There are a ton of people offering chicken coop plans, but I could use some help finding the actual good ones.
Here's what I'm looking for and my constraints:
Here's what I'm looking for and my constraints:
- 4 to 6 hens (I kept the prefab thread to only 4 since it was going to be a temporary setup). Will likely only ever have 4.
- Will never keep a rooster.
- Regarding climate, I live in a 6b zone pocket within a larger 7a zone for climate. In reality they overlap.
- High desert, so very dry. Plenty of days in the 90s and some 100s in summer. Plenty of days in the 20s and teens in winter (sometimes will get to single digits). Very pleasant in spring and summer.
- When we're not in a drought, we get decent snow.
- I do get a fair bit of wind. Especially in the evenings and at night.
- Will need lotsa ventilation in summer, and we'll need to keep air moving in winter without being drafty.
- I have somewhat limited space, but overall dimensions of 5x12ish would be fine. 6ish feet tall is fine.
- Would like the option for hens to primarily be contained. I'd like them to get out as much as possible, but that may not always be possible where I live.
- I prefer more modern looking designs, but happy chickens are more important than style.
- Plans I can view for free are fantastic, but I don't mind paying someone for good plans...I just need help finding the good ones.