Coop build idea and questions

[jreardon1918]

Even if you stay with 6, at some point you will be getting new chicks. As replacements. The extra space will give you a bit of space for integration. 4x8 is a bare minimum. Take it from someone with a 4x8 raised coop.

 

[kwhites634]

https://carolinacoops.com/shop/american-coop/

Was thinking something like this

Jumpin' jehosiphats! I'd go back to work if I could sell coops for that kind of money! Wouldn't have to sell more than a couple a year.

 

[rek9]

Jumpin' jehosiphats! I'd go back to work if I could sell coops for that kind of money! Wouldn't have to sell more than a couple a year.

Well that is what I’m going for, now if I can accomplish that might be two different things

 

[Bryant Redhawk]

Most of the folks I know that have to keep their chickens in an enclosed run have expanded their runs so that each chook has around 20 sq. ft. of space outside the coop.
Most have even added chook swings, run roost areas and boxes for hopping up on (one side is open for hiding). I have enough land to be able to free range so that isn't an issue for me. My coops are built for 10-12 birds but only have 4, this keeps them from getting into scuffles at night or if I need to lock them in for a day or two. I've always thought that if I was building coops for sale that I would come up with a design that was expandable for when the purchaser found out they wanted more birds. I would do the same for the run space.

 

[perchie.girl]

Jumpin' jehosiphats! I'd go back to work if I could sell coops for that kind of money! Wouldn't have to sell more than a couple a year.

ok NOW YOU made me look

deb

 

[perchie.girl]

Ok here is how I approach construction .... I base everything on my materials... Starting with ply wood and two by fours. Less cutting the better. And Everything has to be easy to clean and easy to water and feed. So inside the run must be high enough to stand up and maneuver.... Clean out door on the outside for both coop and run.... This leaves transport outside the coop and run. I abhor Wheelbarrows so it goes on a tarp or wagon. If you are doing deep litter you will need this for the annual clean out.

Then inside the run room for a chair for when the work gets overwhelming... My needs.

I prefer to keep my feed close at hand... Less steps and easier maintenence if you can include a small feed room. If I were building it I would line the feed room with either tin or hardware cloth. keeps out mice. Then keep the feed in Galvanized container... Enough room for a trash can and a bale of what ever bedding you use is all you might need. That would allow for the larger coop...


I no longer build with wood.... But then again I am in fire country and My coop now needs to be a poultry house. Any wood in mine is only used for protection from the elements Wind and sun mostly... The main construction is sturdy wire 4 gauge and hardware cloth and chainlink in non vital areas... Only human and dog proof.

Have fun and get building because those chickies grow fast... LOL.

 

[rek9]

Perchie.girl:

Thanks for the great post! Lots of good info ! I intend on employing a lot of what you mentioned. I am currently constructing a 15ft long by 6ft deep woodshed next to the coop/run that I hope can contain my galvanized trashcan that will contain the feed. A clean out door in the back is a must and will line the floor of the coop with old vinyl flooring. I also will be using 2x4’s and 4x4’ I got for free that were leftover from work and extra 2x4x12’s for the wood racks I am taking down so hopefully I save a couple bucks there. Still need paint, screws, hardware cloth, roofing etc. As a first time chicken owner I am amazed everyday how fast these guys grow! Getting me excited but also anxious about my timeline for coop construction! Thanks again!

 

[perchie.girl]

It also helps to understand your General location... I can give advice on heat issues but cannot about snow and driving rain... I get a bit of snow but no more than seventy two hours worth.

I think all will tell you that you cannot have enough ventilatin No matter the climate.... Ventilation not draft... Since mine are open air coops with only wind and sun protection I cant advise how to do proper ventilation.

deb

 

[JDN]

Jumpin' jehosiphats! I'd go back to work if I could sell coops for that kind of money! Wouldn't have to sell more than a couple a year.

If you budgeted the lumber from a big box store you'd see they aren't insane.

Well that is what I’m going for, now if I can accomplish that might be two different things

How handy are you? What's your budget? What do you have right now in terms of materials?

Also, if you lay it out in the yard, then 4x8 looks a lot smaller than if you're in your kitchen.

 

[kwhites634]

If you budgeted the lumber from a big box store you'd see they aren't insane.

How handy are you? What's your budget? What do you have right now in terms of materials?

Also, if you lay it out in the yard, then 4x8 looks a lot smaller than if you're in your kitchen.

For that quantity, I'd itemize each piece & hit the "local" Amish lumber mill, & utilize free pallet planks