Brand new chicks needing good coop

[TriciaChiariello]

Hi I just joined today. Have 4- 1 week old in brooder. This is so new to me. I was planning on ordering this coop from urbannorthern.com till I saw D ratings from BBB. Fortunately I have a talented retired contractor husband. He agreed to build the coop but wants plans. Does anyone have any for something similar? Really appreciate it!

 

[BaaKaaawk]

Hi I just joined today. Have 4- 1 week old in brooder. This is so new to me. I was planning on ordering this coop from urbannorthern.com till I saw D ratings from BBB. Fortunately I have a talented retired contractor husband. He agreed to build the coop but wants plans. Does anyone have any for something similar? Really appreciate it!

If hubby is a retired contractor just show him a picture like that and he will figure it out- there's no "magic" to a coop, just a few specific components (like nesting boxes and roosts). There is a huge coop forum section on here with tons of ideas. A nice 3x3 or 4x4 size coop will be plenty for your girls and maybe an expansion bird or two (which WILL happen, mark our words!).

 

[TriciaChiariello]

If hubby is a retired contractor just show him a picture like that and he will figure it out- there's no "magic" to a coop, just a few specific components (like nesting boxes and roosts). There is a huge coop forum section on here with tons of ideas. A nice 3x3 or 4x4 size coop will be plenty for your girls and maybe an expansion bird or two (which WILL happen, mark our words!).

It seems like I have so much to learn after just finding this group. But he said plans will make it a lot easier. I saw some for coops that I Don’t care for. Hopefully someone will have plans for this one or something like it

 

[rosemarythyme]

Since your hubby can build something, really advise you to consider modeling your coop after something with a better layout and more substantial size. Don't fall in love with cute "dollhouse coops," they're not ideal for chickens and not ideal for the humans trying to take care of them.

For 4 chickens, aim for something at least 16 sq ft (4x4). You need some height too, to fit roosts, for you to be able to get in/lean in to clean, to provide air volume and ventilation for good health.

Here's the small coops articles on BYC, hopefully you'll find some designs that inspire you: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/categories/small-coops.18/

 

[TriciaChiariello]

Since your hubby can build something, really advise you to consider modeling your coop after something with a better layout and more substantial size. Don't fall in love with cute "dollhouse coops," they're not ideal for chickens and not ideal for the humans trying to take care of them.

For 4 chickens, aim for something at least 16 sq ft (4x4). You need some height too, to fit roosts, for you to be able to get in/lean in to clean, to provide air volume and ventilation for good health.

Here's the small coops articles on BYC, hopefully you'll find some designs that inspire you: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/categories/small-coops.18/

OK thanks for the info