Coop construction

[Rogerson253]

The coop is coming along nicely. Need to build the external nesting box, paint the inside and build the windows and doors. Thinking of using these cedar fence boards for the siding and shingles.

 

[Chad Oftedal]

Nice job! Are your chickens going to have access under the coop? The reason I ask is that you might want to make your roof overhangs extend out some more. One of the mistakes I made with my roof on my run is that they were too short. When it rains, water hits the ground after rolling off the roof, and some splashes back inside to make the edges of the run wet. I'm going to try and rectify that this early summer here.

 

[0die]

I guess it really depends on what you define as the "coop". Is it just the box? Is it everything that is enclosed to include area under the box and anything wrapped in chicken wire? Or is it just the spot they sleep in? What is the entirety of the chickens range/world?

I keep 8 birds in a "3x4 "coop" with roosts (8 feet of roosts). But realistically, that's just where they go to access the nesting boxes or go to hide if it's below freezing or a hurricane like storm. They roost out in the larger 6x12 chicken wire enclosure with a single 6 foot roost. Even in winter and rain. They just like it out there. But they also free range the yard everyday.

So again...it starts with how you are gonna let your birds roam. free or confined? how large an area? How much space beyond that "coop" is planned?

pictured is my coop. the red box 3x6 box contains 3 large nests with storage above. and an open area 3x4x4 tall that is basically a storm shelter. They have free range of the entire 6x12x6 enclosure all the time and open range the yard during the day.

What I call the "enclosed run" others might call the "coop". What I call the "coop" is really just the sleeping chamber or the nesting box "waiting room"...

it's an old picture too...missing the roosts, auto feeders, auto door, etc...

 

[Rogerson253]

Nice job! Are your chickens going to have access under the coop? The reason I ask is that you might want to make your roof overhangs extend out some more. One of the mistakes I made with my roof on my run is that they were too short. When it rains, water hits the ground after rolling off the roof, and some splashes back inside to make the edges of the run wet. I'm going to try and rectify that this early summer here.

Yes, I plan on having the entire underside accessible to the chickens along with a separate 4’x20’ run.

 

[aart]

The reason I ask is that you might want to make your roof overhangs extend out some more. One of the mistakes I made with my roof on my run is that they were too short. When it rains, water hits the ground after rolling off the roof, and some splashes back inside to make the edges of the run wet.

Good point, big roof overhangs are always good.

@Rogerson253
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