Chicken coop build 8’ x 20’

[Becks Chicks]

I get flooding issues as well. What does help is building litter levels so the run floor is a little higher than the surrounding area. Even an inch or two more helps. This was from this spring, which was a relatively mild flood.

View attachment 3198585

I don't think sand or topsoil matters, as far as base material. I wouldn't count on either as a form of litter with our climate, so plan on having some form of organic litter on top. You have a lot of trees around, so deep litter in the run would be economically and environmentally the best choice. I pay nothing for my run litter and it saves me from having to haul extra cartloads of material out for yard/compost waste pick up.

Our river reached flood stage in June and the exact area that we planned for the coop flooded. So we changed from a shed like coop to an elevated coop and also brought in a bunch of topsoil to build the area up. We also made the foundation two rows of 4x4s to help.

We built our house about a year ago. I’m sure we’ll get flooded at some point. Trade off for living on the river. We get to see wild geese, ducks, eagles, osprey, and herons daily. I love living here.

 

[Becks Chicks]

We finished up the foundation today and filled in with topsoil. The foundation is anchored down with 36” spikes. We also spread some extra topsoil around the perimeter. Once the coop is finished, we’ll finish the dirt work around the perimeter so it’s not as sloped.

 

[3KillerBs]

Once the coop is finished, we’ll finish the dirt work around the perimeter so it’s not as sloped.

Sloping away from the perimeter is good.

You might even include a diversion ditch uphill of the coop to direct water around it.

 

[mowin]

We finished up the foundation today and filled in with topsoil. The foundation is anchored down with 36” spikes. We also spread some extra topsoil around the perimeter. Once the coop is finished, we’ll finish the dirt work around the perimeter so it’s not as sloped.
View attachment 3198884View attachment 3198885

Now would be a great time to add a anti dig apron. Sandwich the HC between the foundation and the frame for the floor.

 

[Becks Chicks]

Now would be a great time to add a anti dig apron. Sandwich the HC between the foundation and the frame for the floor.

Thank you! We were going to do this at the very end. I appreciate the suggestion. We'll add it next.

I already ordered the hardware cloth and it should be here tomorrow.

The plan for this week will be to install a perimeter apron and hopefully get the three outside walls of the coop built and installed. We've been watching videos and using graph paper to sketch things out. Today, we'll be setting up an outside work area and will start to build the back (or is the front?) wall of the coop.

 

[Becks Chicks]

Front wall framed. It was over 100 today. We both work full time and it was brutal getting this done after work in the heat.

 

[Becks Chicks]

Question for everyone......is an auto door recommended? Our chickens won't be free range and the coop will be secure. We are starting to sketch out the inside coop wall and need to prepare the dimensions.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Question for everyone......is an auto door recommended? Our chickens won't be free range and the coop will be secure. We are starting to sketch out the inside coop wall and need to prepare the dimensions.

I personally like the convenience of an auto door. You do still need to keep an eye on it whenever you can - it's not a replacement for a set of eyes checking to make sure all the chickens get out in the morning, and in in the evening - but it also means you don't need to wake up early to let them out or rush home in a late evening to lock them in.

 

[mowin]

Question for everyone......is an auto door recommended? Our chickens won't be free range and the coop will be secure. We are starting to sketch out the inside coop wall and need to prepare the dimensions.

Both of my coops are predator proof. I only close the pop door in the winter when the temps and wind are bad. I don't see a need for a automatic door.

 

[Becks Chicks]

It was another day near 100. We are a 2x2 short of finishing the framing of one of the side walls. We have a nesting box on both of the side walls. It’s very complicated stuff these nest boxes. Haha. How tall, how far off the ground, does it need a lip, etc. We are doing lots of research it seems on every single decision. Roosts have to fit above the nest boxes and then there’s the ventilation. So many measurements and it’s all connected like a giant puzzle.