Building new coop

[khowell31875]

Any suggestions on building my new coop? I have 5 BR (4 pullets, 1 cockeral) and 3 Silkies ( not sure about their sex) that will be ready for their new home in 2 weeks. Any suggestion on how big the coop and outside run should be? I can't really let them free range as there are too many neighbors that don't want to keep their dogs from running wild. I also need a design that is on a budget. Everything I've asked about here before was returned with some great advice, so help me out once again.

 

[Heather J]

If your BR are standard sized, you'll need to plan about 4 sq feet per bird in the coop, you can get by with a little less for banties like the silkies. The run needs to be at least ten square feet per bird, especially if you don't dare let them out into the yard ever.

Do you have access to free or discounted materials? If you do, that will make a big difference in the kind of building you make. Also, if you have building skills or need to make the place look cute for the neighbors. There are tons of ideas on this forum, read, read, read and see what strikes you.

Also important is where you live--if you are in Florida, you want lots of open wall space with just fencing rather than boards, if you live somewhere where you have severe winters, you will want less ventilation and more insulating materials.

 

[Omran]

Quote:
Hello friend, I think if you have enough land and not very tide budget,you can make the coop a little bit large like 10x10 or so incase you decide to get more birds,or if you get some chicks. and the run I have mine 40x10 so I can let them play as free as they like.

 

[chickens4jojo]

I know that I would have put some nest boxes that I could reach from the outside of my coop so I did not always have to go inside to collect the eggs.

It may have cost more though, but if you are very handy with construction, there are some great coop pictures here showing some outside nest boxes. I am not very Handy with tools, etc, so I use some free grocery store boxes inside the coop. My hens all try to lay in the same one at the same time.

Best wishes on your new coop &