Building my first chicken coup

[Kristie9901]

I'm about to build my first coop. I found an 8x8 coop design here on BYC by Mikeee.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/8x8-coop

I live in Texas and it gets super hot in the summer. My plans are to build it under a large tree in our back yard and I'll be adding some windows for air flow. The kind you cut out after you build it and attach a hinge to open the 'window' and prop it up with a 2x2. And I'll cover the window hole with heavy chicken / rabbit wire.

Is there a certain way the coop door should face? Towards the north/south/east/west? Windows on a certain side for breeze? Or anything else I need to know before I start building?

Thanks

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC - great that you have joined us. I hope that all goes well with your build. Maybe if you post your question on the Coops and Runs forum, or your state thread you should hopefully get some good advice - https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/26/where-am-i-where-are-you

More generally, you'll find lots of info in the Learning Centre https://www.backyardchickens.com/newsearch?search=learning+centre and if you have a specific topic in mind, just type it in the search box - there's a wealth of information on past and present threads.


All the best
CT

 

[drumstick diva]

The problem with building under a tree is, it's a direct pipeline to the chickens, a short cut that won't be overlooked by predators like raccoons, raptors etc.

 

[SleepyHollowFnF]

I'm about to build my first coop. I found an 8x8 coop design here on BYC by Mikeee.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/8x8-coop

I live in Texas and it gets super hot in the summer. My plans are to build it under a large tree in our back yard and I'll be adding some windows for air flow. The kind you cut out after you build it and attach a hinge to open the 'window' and prop it up with a 2x2. And I'll cover the window hole with heavy chicken / rabbit wire.

Is there a certain way the coop door should face? Towards the north/south/east/west? Windows on a certain side for breeze? Or anything else I need to know before I start building?

Thanks

As far as orientation goes, the same rules as a house apply. South facing exposure (depending on where you are on the globe I guess...) is what we use in New England (and id imagine for that whole latitude range) to take advantage of the heat and light of the sun. You want to present the most amount of wall space as you can to the sun, as well as windows if you have them.

Good luck!

 

[ChickNanny13]

Remember the Poop Board!

 

[redsoxs]

Greetings from Kansas, Kristie, and ! Pleased you joined our community! Looks like you've already received some great ideas so I'll just say best wishes and thanks for joining BYC!

 

[N F C]

One thing I can recommend is to build it larger than you think you'll need. Chickens are like potato chips, you can start with a few and the next thing you know you have masses of them!

Good luck with your build and thanks for joining us!

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!

 

[ChickNanny13]

One thing I can recommend is to build it larger than you think you'll need. Chickens are like potato chips, you can start with a few and the next thing you know you have masses of them!

Good luck with your build and thanks for joining us!

Exactly, build BIGGER cause Chicken Math will get you for sure

Having to downsize or build another

 

[RodNTN]

Hi and

I am glad you joined us here at BYC, best wishes!