Coop Build Advice

[feathermaid]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/eastern-shore-classic-coop.73500/

Check out the coop I built. It's roughly the same size you are looking for. It could be modified to fit you concrete pad. I'd be happy to answer any questions. Having a poured slab should make your built that much easier.

Wow, I LOVE your coop!!! Really nice design! You should add the link in your personal details so you will have a "My Coop" under your avatar.

 

[Melky]

Individuals mentioned being able to access under coop runs. I just bought a small yard rake from TSC with long handle and I can scoop or rake out any part of my run and never enter my coop. I keep mulch in run and pine mulch bedding in coop so easy to clean out with kitty litter scoop. I have a scrub brush that goes with my bucket for cleaning days. These are the only tools I own and it works. I just scoop my bedding from the coop from my pull out tray and empty it into a plastic bag where I then take to compost bin nearby to dump. No wheel barrel involved. Space saver less tools. I use plastic mats you can spray clean and recycle in the nesting boxes, saves on mulch bill, and my chickens love them no problem. Keep in mind the dimensions people are giving are for six and not twelve for housing that is why people mention the square foot rule. Anything less than 4sq ft per bird in coop and 10 sq ft per bird in run will feel cramped for standard fowl. This reduces ventilation and can lead to infection or pest infestation risks to pack a few more in. Just to keep in mind. People will tell you can do it but is it a good idea, probably not. Just my opinion. I love the nesting box recommendations for outside coop with hinged top that locks. Mine is flush to wall and inside coop and I will tell you the door sticks so hard sometimes with changing temperatures and weather. I probably will have to sand it down or plane it to allow the door to easily open/close. Keep in mind on automatic doors it is a possibility you can accidentally lock your chicken out at night and leave one exposed more to temperatures and predators unknowingly. They must be trained well first before leaving them to their own devices so this does not happen or just open door in morning when go out for eggs. Got to check anyway and saves couple hundred dollars with manual. I think you clearly know what you want and are on the right track. Just ask questions if need feedback if something comes up. We are never short of that and always available.

 

[Judoon_Platoon]

I think you have some really great ideas going on!! And so many people have already given you such excellent advice already, so you may already have enough info, but I thought I'd chime in anyway...

I know your wife says 6 now... buuuuut.... once she names all the birds -and loves being entertained by them -and sees how much the kiddos love them (maybe 4-H in the future?) -and enjoys those fresh eggs -and wants a more colorful egg basket-and misses having little fluffy peepers around -and realizes they are rather therapeutic -and maybe loses one to something unexpected -and so on... you may "accidentally" end up with more than planned. It's called chicken math. You can avoid it... probably.

Just curious as to what is your end goal? To have chickens as a homesteading (eggs and/or meat) venture? Or to keep them as pets for their entire lives? Keep in mind that egg production will dwindle or stop for the winter after year 2, and will probably slow to "not much at all" after a few years. You may want to consider flock rotation if you want chickens for other reasons than just pets.

I completely understand about space limitations, I live in the burbs too, and had to build my coop accordingly. Mine is 3x6 and I would highly recommend going 4x8 if you have the opportunity! Though I really do love my poop tray under the roosts as it leaves the entire coop floor available as living space, it's super easy to keep clean and underneath also doubles as a temporary brooder for new babies. This is part of what it looks like during the integration stage.
View attachment 1550297

Also, if you plan to build your run completely secure and covered, you can keep food and water there too. I use 3' tall gravity feeders to save space.
View attachment 1550310

My coop is raised only 19" and I wish it was at least a foot higher for easier access, but I can still manage. My chickens love to spend time under there too like @BY Bob says!

You can take a look at my whole building process and other coop features if you'd like:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/the-mod-coop.74256/
Have fun finalizing those plans over the winter!! View attachment 1550334

Your coop is awesome. I’ve looked at it many times on the site. The goal is definitely egg production but also pets. I know my wife isn’t going to want to part with them after they stop laying. That is why we are starting with 3 or 4 so we can add a few more later on.

Thanks to everyone for all the ideas. I was only going to lurk on the forum. So glad I didn’t because everyone has been so helpful.

 

[feathermaid]

Your coop is awesome. I’ve looked at it many times on the site. The goal is definitely egg production but also pets. I know my wife isn’t going to want to part with them after they stop laying. That is why we are starting with 3 or 4 so we can add a few more later on.

Thanks to everyone for all the ideas. I was only going to lurk on the forum. So glad I didn’t because everyone has been so helpful.

Hey thanks for looking at it! Glad you joined the forum too... getting personal feedback is always so much more fun.
And I know it's so easy to get attached to those cute fluffy butts and then have to decide between keeping the flock productive, or just keeping pets.
I think I'm still on the fence.

 

[Jackandjillslittlecoop]

Wow, I LOVE your coop!!! Really nice design! You should add the link in your personal details so you will have a "My Coop" under your avatar.

Thank you! Thanks for the advice!

 

[janiedoe]

Welcome! Consider managing that space under those coops, and your ability to crawl under there, and into a small raised coop, before committing to this type of design.
Walk-in structures are much easier to manage! A modified garden shed works very well, for example.
Mary

I agree! I have both types. It is not only much easier to clean a walk-in, it's a life-saver when you need to treat your birds for lice or injuries. I find it so much easier for me (& less stressful for the chickens) to pluck them off the roost in my walk-in. If you must build the elevated type try to make it with a large opening that faces a single roost. Good luck.