Building my coop - need advice on materials !

[21hens-incharge]

I see, that shouldn't bee to hard to modify. I'm assuming we're only talking about bringing the floor down, the nesting boxes would stay where they are on the plans right (so about 18 inches from the ground) ? Or should I also lower the boxes so it's easier for the chickens to go in there ?

Yes that is my suggestion for an easy mod to make life with chickens more fun. You may need to add a landing perch in front of the boxes. Many birds like to have a look before going in or pace if someone is in the best most favorite box.

I will look again at what you have and see if lowering those would be easy(ish).


Ok I looked again....I think they will be fine where they are.

 

[Rachela]

I did plywood outside then treated fence posts over that for a lap siding look and painted.

 

[21hens-incharge]

I did plywood outside then treated fence posts over that for a lap siding look and painted.

Can you post a pic?

 

[Acre4Me]

Good luck! Your coop is fine for a beginner chicken keeper. If you choose to grow your flock, you’ll know a lot more than you do now and can build to your style with any appropriate changes.

your winter temps arenot too extreme, but you can get some good snow at times. You don’t need insulation or even double walls. You may want to have some cover bc snow can freak the chickens out. Also, cover will provide some shade In the summer.

 

[Pitikok]

Good luck! Your coop is fine for a beginner chicken keeper. If you choose to grow your flock, you’ll know a lot more than you do now and can build to your style with any appropriate changes.

your winter temps arenot too extreme, but you can get some good snow at times. You don’t need insulation or even double walls. You may want to have some cover bc snow can freak the chickens out. Also, cover will provide some shade In the summer.

Great thank you ! I think I'm going to skip the insulation and double walls, seems like I don't really need it. It will make the build easier and less expensive.

What kind of cover ? Do you have examples ?

 

[Rachela]

Can you post a pic?

 

[Acre4Me]

Do you know what kind of run they will have in addition to the coop, or are you just going to let them free-range? If they free range, they can find their own shade. However, when predators find them, or you get a big snow storm or rain, having sn enclosure if some kind is very helpful. Then on top of the enclosure you can use corrugated metal panels, or plywood/OSB with shingles.

 

[Pitikok]

So the plan is to put a fence around the coop (right now it's open, but I don't want to free range). So they will have a large run. I can easily add an area within the fence with a cover for them.

 

[Foxinthehenhouse]

I used T1-11 for the exterior, interior I used marine plywood and then three coats of marine varnish. I waited for several weeks before I put chickens in to let it completely dry and aired out. I did go up the wall about 4’ with the varnish also. Worked great!

 

[Foxinthehenhouse]

So the plan is to put a fence around the coop (right now it's open, but I don't want to free range). So they will have a large run. I can easily add an area within the fence with a cover for them.

I raised the coop up enough so that the chickens can get under it in bad weather, the left side of coop has a covered shed roof also for cover.