Coop Design Modification Help!!!

[tanyizzle]

Hi,

We're doing this for our first time and have realized that we've misjudged our coop needs for the 6 chickens that we are currently raising indoors. The coop we have it the handcrafted coops small portable coop.

My idea is to basically raise the entire thing by creating a square (or perhaps continue the triangle design) base below the existing structure, and finishing off the 2nd level with more cedar on the walls instead of the wire, add a floor to the 2nd level, and put in another ramp down to the new ground level. At that point it would basically have two enclosed upper areas and a larger area below to run in. The existing access points on the end would still be there.

Does anyone with experience see any red flags or immediate concerns with this idea, or perhaps tips or things to keep in mind during construction?

-Tanya

 

[tanyizzle]

Anyone? We need help!

 

[Hoosierchickens]

It sounds like a good plan to me. I like the idea of extending the trainglur a-frame design to increase your range space below. If you do that, you should still create a square boxed frame under the existing structure for stability since the angled frame pieces will not be solid. The only other concern I would have is that the addition may make the coop more difficult to move due the added weight. Adding wheels on one end might be a good solution if you find it's too heavy. The addition of wheels will also make it easier for one person to move instead of requiring two.

 

[tanyizzle]

Do people usually build in like sliding or removable trays into the bottom to make cleaning easier? How often does it need to be done?

-Tanya

 

[backyardmenagerie]

poop trays would definitely make things easier to clean, if you are up to building it into your design (might be a little more complicated than for a walk-in coop, but could definitely be done). They can be cleaned daily or weekly, or however often you find it needs to be cleaned.
I think the raised coop will be awesome!

Way to go for making use of what you already have. Can't wait to see it when it is done.
Have you considered making the A frame and the bottom portion you will be building separate, detachable sections that connect with latches? That may help with portability issues, and would allow you to use the bottom half as a run in areas where you might not want to move the whole coop.