Coop build, getting close to finished!

[kcrozier]

Thought I'd dump some pictures of the coop build. It is an 8x4 coop, the front opening is 4 feet wide. I left a two foot wall on each side to shelter the nest box on one side, thinking I'll add a roost bar on the other side and then a few more along the rear wall directly across from the opening. The coop is going to be fully roofed as well and the entire ensemble will be under several very large mature trees, so it will stay dry and out of high wind in both the coop and run. I think the windows and large front opening should allow a nice air draw through the coop itself. Still need to trim it out and paint, and I have shutters and flowerboxes for the windows. I think it is going to turn out nicely! The run will be 8x10, and I'll be adding hardware cloth to cover the bottom of the coop, so they'll have an additional 8x4 section of run under the coop itself. I've got 5 chicks that are about ready to start jumping out of the brooder, I think they'll be happy with their new digs!

 

[StinkyAcres]

Looks nice. Are there any vents that will be open year round?

 

[kcrozier]

Looks nice. Are there any vents that will be open year round?

Not as of now. I'm in North Texas, sort of thinking the front opening (4 ft wide and 5 ft tall) should be adequate for ventilation, no? There will be no door there, it will be completely open 100% of the time. The windows also open completely, so those will be open most of the time as well. If for some reason additional ventilation appears to be needed, I can cut out the upper portion of the side walls and replace with hardware cloth.

 

[StinkyAcres]

Not as of now. I'm in North Texas, sort of thinking the front opening (4 ft wide and 5 ft tall) should be adequate for ventilation, no? There will be no door there, it will be completely open 100% of the time. The windows also open completely, so those will be open most of the time as well. If for some reason additional ventilation appears to be needed, I can cut out the upper portion of the side walls and replace with hardware cloth.

The front opening plus the windows is enough. I wasn't sure if you were planning on closing them at all.

 

[kcrozier]

Not currently, the only scenario I can see closing windows would be during the winter. The window wall will be the north side of the coop. During our "cold" weather spells and winter storms I'll close the windows to cut down on drafts, and may decide I need to cut those openings high up after all. I went back and forth about taking the siding all the way up to the top vs leaving it open.