Central Florida Coop and Run (in progress)

[a64armt]

After talking to other locals and research, it’s clear that Central Florida has its share of obstacles & threats for keeping chickens. Weather including torrential rains, violent thunderstorms, hurricanes, high heat & humidity is one aspect. The local wildlife includes various snakes, coyotes, raccoons, bobcats, panthers, black bear, and bird of prey to name a few.

The coop and run design I came up with was intended to survive storms and keep out the predators. 10’x10’ run (70% coop and 30% garden shed), on posts set 36” in concrete. Metal roof and framing with hurricane straps & ties. Attached chicken run with block, gravel and concrete base, 1/2” hardware cloth and metal roof (not complete yet). Block is 3-7” in ground with 3-5” base of gravel and concrete. Will add insulation to the ceiling and a thermostatic fan to help ventilate in the summer.

We’ve got a lot of work left to accomplish….Trusses over run, paint, hardware cloth w/predator skirt, gravel edging, insulation, finish interior (nesting boxes, brooding area, etc), run water and electrical….. then maybe some chicken!

Any feedback is appreciated.

Vincent

 

[PoppasGrill]

That looks like a solid coop and run.
Watch out for chicken math, that coop can get too small real fast.

 

[a64armt]

That looks like a solid coop and run.
Watch out for chicken math, that coop can get too small real fast.

Great point and I keep stressing that point to my wife. I’m thinking 6 ea
Max……. The wife on the other hand thinks more is better! Lol
Thanks
Vincent

 

[Huntmaster]

Looking great but I don't see much ventilation maybe it's there but can't tell from pics.

 

[a64armt]

Looking great but I don't see much ventilation maybe it's there but can't tell from pics.

There are 3 ea shuttered openings (aprox 30” x 30”). They will be covered with hardware cloth and propped open most of the time. The two not under the covered run are hinged at the top to help with rain. The one under the covered run has tradition shutters.

I also have a 15” space high on the wall framed out for a powered ventilation fan and another space for louvered vent. Goal is to keep ventilated but keep rain out.

Do I need more ventilation than planned? I considered a roof vent, but wanted to avoid any holes in the roof or potential issues with hurricane winds.

Vincent

 

[PoppasGrill]

We are in central florida and , at this time, our coops are mostly breezeways with nest boxes. Our first coop was 3 sided opening into a run, then the math started…
Now it looks, well, quite different. We have tarps to drop down the sides for heavy storms/ hurriquakes , and high roosting bars and nests.
What started as 12 chicks is now over 80,

 

[Huntmaster]

@a64armt

 

[a64armt]

Progress has been slow, but we are making progress. Work seems to get in the way of life I guess.

Need to finish installing the trim on top of the hardware cloth (that stuff is a pain to lay straight). Laying gravel on the wire apron and underlayment. Then install the roofing panels over the run. Then the ceiling insulation, connect in the electrical for the lights and ventilation fan, and assemble the auto chicken door and ramp for the chickens.

 

[PoppasGrill]

That’s a very nice project, bet your girls will be livin like queens in that !!

 

[chicken1234]

Beautiful coop you have nailed it! Looks amazing