Brand New at This Chicken Coop thing

[popsicle]

We're down near Livingston--where it's sometimes a little windy.

 

[JTifft]

I am also new to the coop / chicken world. I have the advantage of having a wife who has been through it and knows what she is doing. The reason I am chiming in here is, our coop was built for her and it is basically a shed. It is simple and might give you some ideas. Give it a look. It is going to house 26 chickens and 6 guinea. We don't have your winters here in Florida. I would think making the shed a bit bigger and insulating it would be "easy enough".

https://www.backyardchickens.com/g/a/6394456/our-coop-aviary/

This time around she wanted guineas and so I made the mistake of thinking. Thus the "First time I ever built an aviary" You can skip that part if you want to.

Good luck.

 

[DuginMT]

Hello fellow Montanan! I grew up in E. Montana where it gets very windy and cold and we had a chicken coop that was wood with the old ship-lap siding and no insulation at all. Ventilation was not adjustable and came from the gaps between some of the siding boards! Never lost a chicken due to the cold. Each chicken makes a little heat and they should stay very cozy in an uninsulated coop with only a little ventilation in the winter. They roost up towards the ceiling where it is warmest. Also, make sure all of your breeds are cold-hardy and fully feathered before subjecting them to freezing weather. I'm starting my coop this weekend and it will not be insulated. Not worried at all. Plus, Billings doesn't get near as cold as Sidney!

Doug

 

[stand4freedom]

I think I'm in the warmer spot of Montana, Kalispell...but brrrrrrr can't wait for Sunshine! thanks for sharing!

 

[stand4freedom]

Loved your photos, thanks so much for sharing!!

 

[DuginMT]

Coop started! Did the base last weekend and got most of the framing done today. This is a fun little project.

6' X 8' base constructed of 2X6's and 4 X 4 legs Base legs set 2' into the ground. Platform elevated 2'.


Set base legs 2' into the ground and tamped holes. It is Glued vinyl flooring down (leftover pieces I found in garage)
very stable now. Floor is 3/4" exterior ply.



side walls framed and braced. The roof does have a pitch, although it is only 4"/6' in order to maximize interior space. 16" stud centers on near wall, since I will use the studs to attach the sides of the nesting boxes. Only needed 24" centers on the far wall. Next step is framing the end walls. Any suggestions will continue to be appreciated!

Doug

 

[stand4freedom]

Loved to see this when you are finished...thanks so much!