Coop built for my 6 Brahmas. Pretty much built this coop to spec as if it was a house.

[TheGardeningButler]

The backyard Chicken Coop Build is finally nearing completion. Temporarily dried in for the time being. Roof and side heating to complete, house wrap to install and then for trim, soffit , gutters and a choice of siding to go with before winter. This plan was designed for 15 chickens but I'm only housing 6. To be complete with spacious nesting boxes, and a large run area. These Pullets will be living the good life! Watch a short video i made of it on pinterest
Chicken Coop Assembly

View attachment 4036956

 

[nuthatched]

Great job, it looks great! Don't forget lots of ventilation.

 

[TheGardeningButler]

Great job, it looks great! Don't forget lots of ventilation.

Thank you. Most definitely. Along with a window, I am thinking to put in a second utility swing out window above the door and also a power vent as well in the rear wall. Since it is not all completed, I have not finished sheathing on t the upper sides of the lean to so they are getting all the air! But still guarded from the harsh winter elements for the time being.

 

[StinkyAcres]

I would also leave the gaps between the rafters open and cover with hardware cloth. The soffits are a perfect place for year-round ventilation.

 

[wrathsfarm]

Nice strong build.
Not wanting to be a downer here but to my eye that footprint looks 5' x 8'. I wouldn't attempt to house 15 birds in there especially the size of Brahma's.

Your 6 is perfect for the coop...

 

[TheGardeningButler]

I would also leave the gaps between the rafters open and cover with hardware cloth. The soffits are a perfect place for year-round ventilation.

This is the perfect idea! I really appreciate you sharing this. I will have to implement this. I might use this idea and make 2 different soffit plates since we have our sub zero spells here in WI and I would like to retain a little bit of warmth but ultimately, just for eggs sake but if I collect more frequently and timely (I do collect about 2 times a day) this will work perfectly

 

[TheGardeningButler]

Nice strong build.
Not wanting to be a downer here but to my eye that footprint looks 5' x 8'. I wouldn't attempt to house 15 birds in there especially the size of Brahma's.

Your 6 is perfect for the coop..

That was my thought exactly. I think it's perfect size for the birds since they are about double a normal small size bird. Also good eye on the foot print! Actual plan image of the floor framing attached below! By any means, not a downer at all. A commonsense evaluation of the ratings in terms of average size birds.

 

[StinkyAcres]

This is the perfect idea! I really appreciate you sharing this. I will have to implement this. I might use this idea and make 2 different soffit plates since we have our sub zero spells here in WI and I would like to retain a little bit of warmth but ultimately, just for eggs sake but if I collect more frequently and timely (I do collect about 2 times a day) this will work perfectly

Sure thing! If your goal is to retain warmth for the eggs you can place heating pads in the nesting boxes. I've also read active ventilation with an exhaust fan (and an intake vent opposite the fan) works to keep the warmth in too, but I don't have firsthand experience with that. Adequate ventilation is very important even in the cold months as it helps to reduce the moisture from the the chickens' breath and manure, decreasing the risk of frostbite and respiratory illnesses. If you decide against the use of a fan, we recommend aiming for 1 square foot of winter vents per bird placed high above the chickens when they are roosting.

 

[TheGardeningButler]

Sure thing! If your goal is to retain warmth for the eggs you can place heating pads in the nesting boxes. I've also read active ventilation with an exhaust fan (and an intake vent opposite the fan) works to keep the warmth in too, but I don't have firsthand experience with that. Adequate ventilation is very important even in the cold months as it helps to reduce the moisture from the the chickens' breath and manure, decreasing the risk of frostbite and respiratory illnesses. If you decide against the use of a fan, we recommend aiming for 1 square foot of winter vents per bird placed high above the chickens when they are roosting.

Precisely! Thank you for the recommendations. They are extremely reminding and helpful. With that said I think i will keep the current design with your input of the hardware cloth for the soffit. With this in the front and back; there would be more than enough ventilation and I also have in my plans to put in an exhaust vent and intake for during the hot months especially.

 

[StinkyAcres]

Precisely! Thank you for the recommendations. They are extremely reminding and helpful. With that said I think i will keep the current design with your input of the hardware cloth for the soffit. With this in the front and back; there would be more than enough ventilation and I also have in my plans to put in an exhaust vent and intake for during the hot months especially.

Sounds like a good plan!