Coop basics?

[nnash2]

New chicken mama here needing some help with a coop we have six chicks we got from TSC two weeks ago. We were told to keep them inside with the lamp for ten weeks.. Well they have outgrown three different containers so we are starting to think of building our coop now (we are moving in three weeks and wanted to wait until we moved so we wouldn't have to move the coop but oh well!). We want to build something that is safe to keep them in for the time being with their lamp but also connect to a run with a door and all once they are grown. Is it okay to have this be the same structure? I have read about special boxes for chick, but is it okay to put them in a closed section of a coop with their lamp for now? Either way, we will eventually need a coop. All the threads are very specific but I was just wondering what are the basics I need to know? What's a good size for maybe six to ten chickens, in case we get more? How many individual nesting boxes are necessary? Any suggestions of features your coop has that you really love, such as a certain height or material or fancy set-up? Completely new at this chicken thing, so any advice is helpful before I just start nailing pieces together and try to get a useable coop out of it! Thanks!!

 

[nbenevento]

Do you live in a warm climate? I would wait until you move. Personally, I think 2 square feet per bird for space an you shouldn't need more than 2 nesting boxes for up to 10 chickens.

 

[wsmith]

Always remember the basics. For chickens to be happy and productive, they need:

1. Shelter to get out of the wind, rain, and snow

• The usual rule of thumb is to have at least 4 square feet of floor space per bird inside the coop. For 10 birds, this would mean that you should have a minimum of 40 square feet for 10 birds. Remember, this is for the coop only. I assume you will also have an attached run for them to get sunshine and graze. A 6 X 8 ft coop will satisfy this requirement.
• A coop should give protection from the elements and well as predators.
• You will need some nest boxes. For 10 hens, you should be fine with 2 or 3 boxes, as they tend to have favorites, and take turns. Each nest box should be big wnough for the adult hen to move around 360 degrees and stand up in. They can be made from almost anything, from plastic crates to converted 5 gallon buckets. I personally prefer wood ones, but that is just me. The chickens won't care.
• Young birds are perfectly happy in the large coop, they just grow into it. If they haven't feathered out completely, just put your lamp in with them and then watch. When they don't need it any more, remove the lamp.
• A coop doesn't have to be sealed up tight. Ventilation is very important, as it keeps harmful vapors from accumulating inside your coop. Chickens can be vulnerable to respritory illnesses. They need to have a dry place to get out of the wind.
• Chickens DO NOT need supplimental heat after they are fully feathered. Many chicken owners like to give them extra heat as it makes them feel better about how they are caring for their birds. That's fine, but you must also weigh the risks: If your power goes out and the chickens are used to having that extra heat, you have placed them in a situation where they could become very uncomfortable. Chickens have nice down coats to keep them warm. They will be fine if allowed to acclimate naturally. Of course, choose breeds suited to your enviroment. They don't need insulation or fancy paint on the coop. That's for you, the chicken keeper and your neighbors. The chickens just don't care.
• A chicken run or adequate space outside is essential. Usually the advice is for at least 10 square feet of outside space per bird. If you are going to let them have the run of the yard, this isn't a concern.

2. A constant supply of good water

• There are many ways that work just fine to provide water to your chickens. From nipple systems, to a pan full of water, all work pretty well, and what you choose depends on what you want.

3. Good quality feed.

• there are many prepared rations on the market for nearly all situations. From chick feed, medicated or not, to layer feed, organic, all flock, etc. REad up on them and choose which one you want.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Good post.

I’ll give some links to articles I think are very good for anyone building a coop.

Pat’s Big Ol' Ventilation Page
https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=1642-VENTILATION

Pat’s Cold Coop (winter design) page:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=1642-winter-coop-temperatures

Pat’s Big Ol' Mud Page (fixing muddy runs):
https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=1642-fix-a-muddy-run

I’ll also mention that a lot of building materials come in 4’ and 8’ dimensions. If you are buying the material instead of using something on hand, you can often get a larger coop with less cutting and waste if you incorporate these dimensions in your design. You have to be a little careful with your framing that these are out-to-out dimensions, not centerline dimensions.

 

[nnash2]

Thank you so so much! This is exactly what I needed and will really help, thanks!!