changing up a coop design

[nataliewipf]

so i really like this design. it's 4x4 and 8' tall. I might go a little shorter when we build it (we will have seramas so i don't think i need something so crazy tall) my question is... instead of out opening nesting boxes i was thinking of doing a vertical wall with a door that opens to access all at once... anyone have any feedback?

 

[crazy4ChickensNducks]

You really only need 2 nesting boxes, do a vertices wall is not necessary, but in my coop I have my nesting boxes with a door that swings up when collecting eggs

 

[nataliewipf]

You really only need 2 nesting boxes, do a vertices wall is not necessary, but in my coop I have my nesting boxes with a door that swings up when collecting eggs

why would i only need 2 nesting boxes if i plan to have more than 2 hens?

 

[aart]

Hmmm...those two pics don't go together.
I doubt that nest bank is actually in that small coop showing external nests.

The height of a coop as more to do with good ventilation up high,
and the keepers comfort in tending the flock.
Here's some tips about....
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/coop-stack-up-how-high-stuff-works-well.73427/

Designing a coop needs to take into consideration how many birds you have and....

....Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, (laptop version shown), then it's always there!

 

[aart]

why would i only need 2 nesting boxes if i plan to have more than 2 hens?

Because you only need 1 nest for every 3-4 hens.

 

[crazy4ChickensNducks]

Even if you had 5 hens all you would need is one or maybe two nesting boxes, every bird does not need their own. I have 25 birds in my coop and 6 nesting boxes, but they only use 2 or 3.

 

[nataliewipf]

Even if you had 5 hens all you would need is one or maybe two nesting boxes, every bird does not need their own. I have 25 birds in my coop and 6 nesting boxes, but they only use 2 or 3.

thanks

 

[crazy4ChickensNducks]

thanks

No problem

 

[nataliewipf]

No problem

i haven't had chickens since i was a kid. even then they were my grandmothers. i never went in the coop. i thought each hen wanted her "own nest"

 

[imnukensc]

Lots of things I would change on that coop/run design. The way it is designed now, rain water runoff will go straight into the run. Could move the run to the gable end opposite the clean out door, but I'd just do a slanted roof instead of a gable roof and have the run on the high side of the slant. Doesn't appear to have anywhere near enough ventilation. I would keep the nest boxes exterior to the coop as shown.

How many birds are you planning? Since Seramas are so small you could probably get away with 2 sq ft/bird, but I'd make it at least 3 sq ft/bird.