BEST small coop (in your opinion)

[patandchickens]

If you are allowed 10x10 without a permit (same here!), I would suggest building 10x10 rather than smaller as long as budget permits. You will NEVER regret it, I promise... additions are not nearly as cost-effective nor easy, and there are any number of reasons you might in future want more space.

A square is, as others have said, the most efficient in some ways (primarily in terms of siding). However, 8x12 has an awful lot to recommend it -- it gives you only 4 sq ft less (so really, it is the same size), requires trusses that span only 8' rather than 10' and thus can be a bit more lightly built, and will not require inconvenient fractions of plywood or other sheet goods. It also gives you a longer dimension along which to run a single roost, a difference of about 3 chickens' worth which is not entirely trivial. Personally I would be inclined to build the 8x12 rather than a 10x10, although it is not a *big* difference.

In that general shape/size "food group" of coops, I don't honestly believe there is much of a difference in userfriendliness or efficiency of different designs as long as you avoid doing obviously stupid things like putting the waterer under the roost with no droppings board or shield between 'em

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[Msbear]

When considering a small coop, every square in needs to be utilized. Our favorite is the classic doll house look.

We build auto-feeders to reduce wasted space as well as stacked nesting boxes.

Here's a bit bigger version w/ 3 boxes and exterior egg collecting panel.

If you want it mobile, build it on a heavy duty utility cart and add a detachable run for all season outdoor sq. footage. I can stick 6-8 banties in one of these.

Check out my pages for detailed info on construction.

 

[MagsC]

I appreciate all of the advice. Since I have about as much ability to build a coop as a doorknob,lol. I am just glad I will have help with this, co-erced family members/friends into a "build a shed/coop" day.

 

[CoyoteMagic]

I wish I had kept all my construction pics for you. The coop I copied it from (Judymae's) removed her pictures too. It was really easy. 8x8 6ft front 4ft back. could use whole sheets of plywood. Most of it was built with 4ft, 6ft, and 8ft 2x4's. 4sheets of plywood. And I didn't have any power tools!

It's ugly but it works. In Judymae's version she left the area where the darker paint open with just wire. Same for the front where I put windows in. (brb got to get the front picture)

ETA---That's Tessie the Headless Chicken in the top pic. Her neck was so badly twisted that she couldn't lift her head above her shoulder. It was easier for her to look between her legs and walk backwards. She was an awesome chicken!

 

[MagsC]

Well, I figure now we have a good start, pics and a few plans to check out. I will probably have them read this thread also.
The other reason, besides having to be under the 10' by 10' "no permit" size, is since I am hoping to get moved, the coop would go as well.