COMMUNITY PROJECT: Let's Design The Perfect Coop!!!

[SeaChick]

Hi Nifty-

This is an interesting excercise, and I am looking forward to reading all of the suggestions!!

One thing we should remember, though.... I think that your perfect coop questions are going to have different answers depending on the builders' locations. For instance, in cold climates you'd want an insulated coop which adds another level of complexity (inner walls, all that) and also next boxes inside are probably easier since you don't have this protrusion to insulate.

There are so many beautiful coop designs that we're drawn to, only to realize on closer inspection that they aren't really ideal for our climate.

So when the "perfect coop" is finalized, I guess maybe you should add a disclaimer at the top for newbies or those who are looking for an easy answer and haven't done their research, that some things would need modification based on climate, and mayeb list a few examples (e.g. insulation).

Just a thought!!
Stacey

 

[Jsto]

Seachick brings up a good point in the fact that what's perfect for some, isn't for others.

So how about a coop that's built for easy modding? Take into consideration that some may need to insulte, others need more airflow for during incredibly hot summers, ability to be movable with an easy installation of, say, between 4 and 6 wheels (since it could also be used as a stationary coop that is a bit heavier) where stilts would be for a stationary one, etc. etc.

I think a perfect coop is definitely one that has the potential to be modified easily.

 

[aran]

or maybe it could be a basic stationary coop with moveable additions which somehow join/attach to the main coop.
We could have all kinds of cool things in it like drop away bottom for easy cleaning, automatic door openers, automatic feeders/waterers...this could really be cool!

 

[Judymae]

I like aran's idea of being able to add additions to it. We should decide what additions could be important to be added or removed depending upon need. I also like sea chicks vision with nesting boxes inside of the coop. It would be so much warmer for the nesting hens if they were inside the coop instead of protruding outside of the coop. There could still be an access door to remove eggs just don't let the nesting box protrude.

I visited Old City Park in Dallas, Tx. It has homes built or moved there and remodeled from the 1800s. They built a whole town with homes, a school, a general store, a saloon, etc. Very interesting! What me and the dh found informative was that all of the chicken coops built at every house was a walk in. It was built on the ground with no stilts. They did have plenty of ventilation. Nesting boxes were inside. Very clean. No odors at all. We built our coop modeling some of theirs. We found that they would know more about building coops back them because everyone had one and they relied more on their chickens than we do.

 

[seedcorn]

I agree w/Seachick. Decide on stationary vs tractor, northern climate or southern, bantam vs standards, # of chickens, etc.......

 

[redneck]

We have a really good arkatectual drafting program at work. I will talk to maintanance and see if I can get a copy. If I can I will try and draw something up. Never used it before, I will have to try and figure it out.

 

[foxtrapper]

Couple of thoughts.

Don't overbuild. If a 2x2 will do, don't use a 2x4. If 1/4" luan works, skip the 3/4" plywood.

Consider modular building. It makes future expansions much easier.

 

[Nifty-Chicken]

I agree that there are a lot of different variables, but I think we can come up with a plan that will accommodate 70% of the use cases. Another 25% should be able to make some basic modifications for their specific needs and 5% may just need to build from their own plans.

The goal is to have an "open source project" where we have a core design that lends itself to work for the majority of use cases. As the project grows users can begin providing "mods" (modifications) that others could apply, for example:

Let's say we come up with a basic "core" design for a raised coop. A member could come up with a small set of plan changes that could accommodate this. The same thing could be applied for extreme weather (super hot or super cold)... a modification to the core set of plans to work for those climates.

Again, the goal is to have fun coming up with the most globally accessible design that could be modified based on specific use cases.

 

[BeckyLa]

I remember someone has a coop that's individual walls held together with bolts (they knew they'd be moving) that could easily be taken apart. This would allow for the removal of one wall, a couple more added, the end put back on and the coop size is quickly doubled. This would allow for very easy modification.

 

[CoyoteMagic]

Quote:
Was this the one?
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=7142

We need something for the "Building Impaired", the "Powertool Pitiful", and the "Math Challeged" so we don't come up with something out of Dr. Seuss.