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Coop building questions...

Discussion in 'Coop & Run - Design, Construction, & Maintenance' started by Mrssteak, Mar 31, 2011.

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  1. Mar 31, 2011 #1
    Mrssteak

    Mrssteak Hatching

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    Mar 30, 2011
    Ok. So my Dh wants to build us a coop this summer. We've never had chickens before. Is there an advantage to concrete foundation vs building it off the ground? He wants to build it on a concrete slab with a hinged panel in the back to lift up so it can be hosed/cleaned out to the outside. Most of what I have seen is folks building them off the ground. [​IMG]
    We do know we want about 10 chickens. I know that bigger isn't alway better, but in this case, (listening to everyone's chicken math, lol) is it possible to have too big of a coop for 10 chickens? We were thinking of building a 10x10 with an outdoor run.
    Do you let your chickens out on days with bad weather? Rain, snow, wind, etc.

    So many questions, I'll save the rest for when we get closer to actually getting our chicks.

    Thanks for any advice you can give me!![​IMG]
     

  4. Mar 31, 2011 #2
    10 point

    10 point country boy

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    Feb 19, 2011
    LaFayette, NY
    no It's not posib le to have to big of a coop because if you need to you can section it off.

    I don't let the chickens out in bad weather because my chickens will stand out in the rain then it will drop down in the 20's and thats a bad combo. but I do know others that let there chickens out in bad weather.
     
  6. Mar 31, 2011 #3
    Bi0s

    Bi0s Songster

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    Bland County VA!!!!!
    well off the ground will give you more run space they can go under it to get out of the sun etc.. my chickens have there door open 24/7 they can go in and to the run when every they plz just what i like some are differnt
     
  8. Mar 31, 2011 #4
    gavinandallison

    gavinandallison Songster

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    Matthews, NC.
    Quote:Build as big as you can! And then go half as big again. We built our first last summer, were going to build another but found it cheaper to purchase a 10x10 building with windows and doors, so I just cut a door flap with my dremel and added hinges etc...... Am now in the process of looking to add electrical power to the building.

    Remember good ventilation.

    We have a 20 x 10 run for the Barred Rocks which we built, then for the Silkies we bout 2 10x10 dog runs with covers and secured them to the building. Remember to be predator proof and use lots of hardware cloth around your run area. It will stop predators, and is the most important thing to pay for.

    Our birds go out in all weathers but have access to go inside if they want to........

    Please look at our BYC page and copy if you want!
     

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