Coop Building

[Ricker]

I am new to this and already have some chicks. I currently have them in a small area in the garage. I want to build a medium size coop outside and am looking for suggestions as to the do's and dont's.I live in a four season state and expierence cold winters and hot summers. Any ideas to share?

 

[teach1rusl]

Start by browsing the coops tab above - they're set up by large, med. and small sized coops. You'll get some great ideas.
For a four season coop, build in a lot of closeable ventilation. I love my main coop and get lots of compliments on it, but I regret not having MORE ventilation. I built with winters more in mind, and now am paying the price during our HOT, HUMID summers. Wired window openings can be covered with plexiglass "windows" for winter time, so lots and lots of openings is desirable.
And if you're on this site much, you'll see tons of posts of "I wish I'd built bigger." While you think you won't need it, build as big as you can, giving the birds as much space as you can, bigger than suggested minimums. Chickens don't like snow, and most avoid walking around in it (for obvious reasons...lol), so if you get winters with snow, the extra space will be welcome...
Good luck and happy building!!

 

[4-H chicken mom]

Hi and from Ohio. So glad to have you aboard. Good advice. Also, use screws instead of nails. They are easier to remove when things need changed and trust me, things are always changing with chickens.

 

[sumi]

Hello and welcome to BYC

Glad you joined us!

 

[weimarmama]

&

from Alabama. Glad you joined us.

 

[somadlyinlove]

Start by browsing the coops tab above - they're set up by large, med. and small sized coops. You'll get some great ideas.
For a four season coop, build in a lot of closeable ventilation. I love my main coop and get lots of compliments on it, but I regret not having MORE ventilation. I built with winters more in mind, and now am paying the price during our HOT, HUMID summers. Wired window openings can be covered with plexiglass "windows" for winter time, so lots and lots of openings is desirable.
And if you're on this site much, you'll see tons of posts of "I wish I'd built bigger." While you think you won't need it, build as big as you can, giving the birds as much space as you can, bigger than suggested minimums. Chickens don't like snow, and most avoid walking around in it (for obvious reasons...lol), so if you get winters with snow, the extra space will be welcome...
Good luck and happy building!!

x2 (means I agree!)

 

[Kevin565]