Coop Design Question, please help!

[therainfam]

I am having a 5x8 Lean To style coop, with 7 nesting boxes with an outside lift to the boxes built by an Amish man who has a standard design. I have been adding on things such as:

glass floor board
extra shelves for perching
extra window
higher ceiling - higher end will be 7' tapering down from there

I asked him for a side storage box and he suggested just making a front entry to the coop by adding a 5x4 area to the front of the 5x8 coop. This would turn the building into a 5x12. I would essentially enter a room and then enter an inside door to the coop. Everything for the coop could then be stored inside this front area versus outside the coop.

I am trying to determine, having never had a coop before, if this is a good idea or a major regret waiting to happen. Please let me know what the pros and cons could be to this design over having the box built onto the outside and just stepping directly into the coop. Also, please let me know if you see any other issues with my above add ons. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP!!!

 

[oleman39]

If you can afford the extra cost and have room, bigger is better. Storage is an issue I have now. I will have to enclose an area next to the run; of course more $$$
I didn't have the opportunity to prep lab that far out.

 

[aart]

Yes!! to the extra space for storage.....(or more chickens).
You don't need 7 nests for that sized coop as it will only comfortable fit up to maybe 10 hens. 3 nests would be plenty.

Don't forget about good ventilation.

 

[therainfam]

Thank you! I have made the changes to BIGGER!