Coop Design Points for Chicken Health

[kathlynr8]

this article seems helpful.. https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/predator-proofing-for-new-and-existing-coops.72191/

 

[aart]

this article seems helpful.. https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/predator-proofing-for-new-and-existing-coops.72191/

An 'apron' is better than the 'underground fencing' they show there.

Good examples of apron installation, tho I'd not recommend 1/2" HC...go with 14ga 1x2 or 1x1, will hold up much longer and is easier to lay flat.
http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1110498/wire-around-coop#post_17093528
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/new-coop-project.1169916/page-2#post-18481208

 

[kathlynr8]

x2. For a VT climate and that few chickens I'd aim for 6+ feet per chicken in the coop. My birds were happiest when they had close to 10 square feet each in the coop and got to free range too. That might be tough for a coop on legs, but just give them as much as possible.

Does this large a coop become difficult to clean?

 

[Folly's place]

It's just about shoveling it out maybe three times each year, and improving garden beds or fields. And ten birds will make the same amount of poo in any given space, they will just be happier and less difficult in the larger space.
@BantyChooks is so right!
Mary

 

[BantyChooks]

Does this large a coop become difficult to clean?

Not particularly. I shovel it out about twice per year, it's about an evening's worth of work.