Building a barn stall coop

[the dutch guy]

I finished the floor yesterday of all leftover pieces of plywood…it looks like a puzzle…lol.
Next is to fix the roof…hopefully this weekend.
Over the next few weeks I'll work on the roosts, nesting boxes, feeders, waterer's etc.

I'm leaning toward a mix of Rhode Island Reds, Ameraucanas, Black Astralorps, New Hampshire Reds, Welsummer's and possibly some Golden Penciled Hamburgs
I'm now thinking 20+ birds? Thoughts? I've never had A chicken!... or any chickens for that matter!! Yikes!

My thoughts initially were to free range the birds, however the barn is out in the open with not a lot of cover in the area. I was thinking I could plant some trees and other plantings in the area to help provide cover but realistically that ain't happening anytime soon. I guess they can roam the yard when we are around... So…I'm thinking I'm going to need a run of some sort, since my wife and I both work…this flock is on its own...
I'd like to provide as much space as possible. Any recommended height for a run? I'm also going to have to cover the run in some way. Some of youse have beautiful runs!
Any insight would be helpful.

 

[jetdog]

Check craigslist for dog kennel panels they are usually 6 ft tall easy to put together and easy to expand if need be, pretty easy to put a roof on or cover with wire or netting.

 

[Percheron chick]

You are going to want to close up the top and the bars with wire. All sorts of creatures can get into your coop and wipe you out. Most chickens that are lost/killed happen when we get lax when we let them out to range. Don't even let them out without supervision unless you are willing to accept the loss that comes with it. They need to be in a secure run or locked in the coop otherwise.

As far as your selection of bird? Stir it up. You've got 3 red bird breeds out of 6. More color! Also be mindful if you have cold damp winters you might want to stay clear of single comb breeds that are more prone to frostbite.

 

[farnorth]

Yep you need to totally enclose the stall so varmints can't get into it and kill your chickens....think weasels, skunks, rats, fox, raccoons, feral cats, coyotes even snakes if they can get into the barn and into the stall they might get in and kill the chickens (usually at night).

Also if you don't enclose it the chickens can and will get out and roam around the barn pooping and roosting on your stuff....they also create an enormous amount of dust.

You don't need a pop door if you have a full size door you can open to let them out of the stall....if they have to pass through the rest of the barn to go out then again you will have them leaving a trail of chicken poo all the way to the door.