Can you build a hoop coop with only 1 cattle panel?

[3KillerBs]

I live in a subtropical region, my winter is usually 40-50 degrees. I feel like a solid coop is going to cook my chickens in the summer

You are very smart to think this way.

Where, in general, are you located? You can put it in your profile to help people give you better targeted advice.

In mild-winter, HOT-summer climates Open Air style coops are especially suitable and hoop coops lend themselves to this kind of coop-and-run-combination. For 3 chickens a 2-cattle-panel hoop coop would be coop-and-run in one -- though if you *could* fit 3 panels in your yard it would be even better and you wouldn't have to build a separate run.

 

[Cosmickitty]

Updated, I’m in Texas but on the coast. In gardening terms zone 9b. As long as we don’t have another Texas once in a lifetime freeze like last year it almost never gets below freezing. It also doesn’t usually get above 95, but I have a constant 70-80% humidity so the “feels like” temp in the summer is usually 100-105

 

[3KillerBs]

Updated, I’m in Texas but on the coast. In gardening terms zone 9b. As long as we don’t have another Texas once in a lifetime freeze like last year it almost never gets below freezing. It also doesn’t usually get above 95, but I have a constant 70-80% humidity so the “feels like” temp in the summer is usually 100-105

That makes my central NC "Steamy Southeast" sound comfortable.

You're on the right track avoiding a closed coop.

 

[21hens-incharge]

A single cattle panel makes an arch over approx 4x8 actually. As a coop for a few (6 or less) birds it is ample space as a coop.

Using 2 cattle panels will enclose an 8x8 footprint. That space would be adequate run size for 6 or fewer birds.

I found them very sturdy and reasonably easy to work with.

I think most folks use a minimum of 2 as an 8x8 is far less likely to be blown over by extreme winds than a 4x8. Well that and chicken math....

 

[Sueby]

Just FYI, I found this helpful.

 

[Valiantfarm]

Just FYI, I found this helpful.View attachment 2891758

So this is assuming the cattle panel is 16 ft? Am I understanding that correctly?

 

[springvalley123]

I think that most of the labor/effort/calculations etc that you'd need to do a single cattle panel coop, would also apply to a 2-3 panel coop/run. i.e., you'd only save on materials and a little time etc to make a single panel coop. But if you invested in a 2-3 panel coop/run, you'd get much more secure chicken space for your money, and you'd be done. If you went with 3 panels instead of 2, you'd probably have enough extra space to support integration of another 2-3 birds later. I live in the desert, and if I'm ever in a position to re-do my enclosures I'll try to do cattle panel. I could put 1-2 shade cloths over it, which would actually keep the interior dry (in my past experience), and allow flexibility--I can remove a shade cloth or tarp to increase the ventilation in the summer, for example.

 

[lifein1840]

Doesn't seem like much of a life for the chickens

Love your picture!!

 

[Sueby]

So this is assuming the cattle panel is 16 ft? Am I understanding that correctly?

Correct.

 

[affacat]

Did you ever end up doing this?
I agree with most you'll want it at least two panels (I have multiple 2 panel structures up, including a feed station and firewood shed) but you can technically do one. It's just pretty small.