Chicken coop for 20

[ChickenXPrincess]

Hi, I currently have 4 Rhode Island Reds. My bf and I just got 11 more chicks. 3 Red sex links, 2 Sapphire gems, and 6 Easter egger Chickens. We are definitely gonna need a bigger coop preferably one without a run being as they will spend most their time in our yard. Suggestions on a budget friendly coop? All input is much appreciated!

 

[ColoradoPip]

I'm not aware of any pre-built coops that will hold this many birds. You will either need to build one or buy a shed and turn it into one. A lot depends on money, skills, space, etc. If you can provide as much information as possible, I'm positive you will get some excellent answers!

 

[21hens-incharge]

I keep 20 birds in an 8x14 coop.

I know you don't WANT a run but you may find you NEED a run. Even if you never ever have bad weather you may find you have to many predator losses and need to confine them for their safety.

Even here in town I have predators. If I didn't have a run I would have no birds in a very short time.

 

[paintedChix]

CP Hoop coops are affordable, can be made into FT Knox, can be both open air (for AZ) or closed up to account for serious cold and snow. They can be easier to build than a full wooden coop. If built in the right area, they can be expanded - many times over. If on a basic 2x4 or 2x6 base, may only be 8' wide, but if on a taller base (more wood & construction), they can be wider. I've got "sheds" that utilize 4' tall pallets w/ CP roofs. They are 12' wide. I'm not sure that they can be made 16' wide.

I will find my other post that has a LOT of links here on BYC that pertain to CP hoop coops.

Permanent Hoop Coop Guide

and here are the rest of the links - https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/should-i-buy-this-coop.1349211/page-2#post-22225642 (actually post #11 - copied & pasted below. I know I used to be able to list a specific post, not sure how to do it now)

"
I started on that list. These are the ones in the medium coops area -

Ms Biddy's CP coop
Motel Chix - Blooie's WY run
Pyxi's Hoop Coop
Dutch Hollow Hoop coop
BobDBirdDogs Coop
Armorfirelady's Fire Chickens Hoop Coop
3 B's Chicken Shack 1 & 2
Kugler Cluck House - hoop coop
Egg Shaped Hoop Coop
My Cattle Panel Hoop Coop
The Hoop Coop

Tractors

Aart's Hoop Coop/Chicken tractor
Hoop Tractor "

EDITED to ADD: Ooops, seems that link does take you directly to my post. Wow, I didn't realize that! Now, what did it do to create it?

 

[paintedChix]

And here is the link to my CP hoop "creations" - none very fancy, but they work for us here on our property.

Coops, Cattle Panel & Sheds

EDIT TO ADD: I know that the 4x8 coops truly only work with about 4 chickens, though supposed to work for 8. I could probably change my own layout to handle more chickens, but 4 works for me to prevent feather picking and too much DLM from piling up too quick when I don't have time to remove it to the run or garden.

The 8x8 coops can accommodate 16 chickens (allows for 4sqft/chicken) IF you also have a run or are able to free range during the day/every day. A slightly larger "stocking rate" (of 21-during a hurricane) did not work well for us once the hurricane cleared and we were doing mass clean up. However, I did not lose any birds during or after the hurricane and while the tarps covering some of the coops were destroyed, they were easy to replace. The one thing I did learn was that we did need wire on the CP hoops (2 - 8x8 pens didn't have them) to prevent birds from getting out. DO NOT ASK what I was thinking, I simply can't answer that...

 

[Ridgerunner]

For 20 chickens I'd suggest a minimum of 8' x 12' coop. If you don't have any shade you might want to go a bit bigger. 21 hens makes some good points about a run.

A hoop coop or hoop run can work. Some other ideas to help with the budget might be to check on Craigslist for a shed you can convert or maybe for free or cheap materials. You can sometimes get inexpensive stuff at one or those habitat recycling stores, things like doors, windows, or maybe hardware. Various vents maybe. You might be able to find pallets pretty much for free. Ask at construction sites, they often use lumber as a building aide and then throw it away. Dumpster diving where allowed or driving the street on trash pick-up day can be interesting.