Coop emergency

docdubz

Songster
5 Years
Nov 24, 2016
410
433
171
Central Texas
I recently moved into a new property. It had a large coop on it that needed new walls and floors but the studs and roof were good so I had planned on ripping the rotted particle board down and replacing it with half inch plywood. I figured it would take me no more than a couple days to have it done and painted so I jumped the gun and got my flock started indoors and the chicks have only about a week before they need to go outdoors.

I started fixing up the old coop and in the process I found a gigantic pile of trash hidden under logs and leaves. And, unfortunately, this trash pile consisted of about 100 one gallon cans of paint, a bunch of turpentine and other nasty stuff and most of it had been rusted through and leaking into the soil just a foot or two from where the run would be. So... That coop is not an option anymore.

I need to hastily construct a coop sufficient for 25 birds and the whole situation has me so stressed that I'm having serious brain fog in coming up with a good design. I am hoping someone here has a sketch for a coop that I could work with, I cleared enough space in another part of the property to build up to a 12'x20' coop (any bigger than that and I'd have to cut down some oak trees) where I'd be able to fence off about 1/4 acre for a run.
 
Hi there. Your location would help a lot with giving suggestions. I have an open air style coop but that wouldn't work in many areas due to winter climate.
 
I recently moved into a new property....... trash pile consisted of about 100 one gallon cans of paint, a bunch of turpentine and other nasty stuff and most of it had been rusted through and leaking into the soil
That totally stinks!!!
Any hazardous waste disclosure loophole in the sale contract?
Can't believe they didn't know it was there.
 
If you're anything like Phoenix then an open air style with options for winter would be ideal.
 
South Carolina 90s and so much humidity. Here's a general idea for what we did as a coop on the back deck. Temporary, as the girls are 11 weeks and were in my kitchen in a wire dog crate. 8 birds. It's 2 x 4s, fender washers and screws, and a lot of hardware cloth . 10' x 6' x 8' give or take 2" for the doubled up 2 x 4s. We put a fan in the front top to move air and they have lots of plastic totes with cold water and ice. It does not get a lot of sun, so mostly shaded. We are working on the carport coop and run for them. It took us a lot of time to build as it is so hot and we work full time. If you have a friend to help drive screws it will go quicker. We put luan in 4 x 8 sheets on the back and sides. We havent' had rain, so preparing for that. We can put up tarps on hooks to cover the top half, but the front is open. The girls can go to their back corner for shade or shelter. Good luck. It seems there is never enough time in the day. The general photos are attached.
 

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That totally stinks!!!
Any hazardous waste disclosure loophole in the sale contract?
Can't believe they didn't know it was there.

Oh I am sure they did, and unfortunately it was an "as is" sale. Lucky me I also found a pile of asphalt shingles out in one of the pastures. I'm going to have to clear all the brush and pick this property clean.


An open air shelter would be optimal for a hot climate, i.e. https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/texas-coop-build-pic-heavy.1371038/ or yes a hoop coop is an option for something that could be quickly assembled and appropriate for hotter or moderate climates.
If you're anything like Phoenix then an open air style with options for winter would be ideal.

Yes this is definitely part of my plan. I have way too many predators to not have a completely enclosed run for when I'm not right near my birds.

South Carolina 90s and so much humidity. Here's a general idea for what we did as a coop on the back deck. Temporary, as the girls are 11 weeks and were in my kitchen in a wire dog crate. 8 birds. It's 2 x 4s, fender washers and screws, and a lot of hardware cloth . 10' x 6' x 8' give or take 2" for the doubled up 2 x 4s. We put a fan in the front top to move air and they have lots of plastic totes with cold water and ice. It does not get a lot of sun, so mostly shaded. We are working on the carport coop and run for them. It took us a lot of time to build as it is so hot and we work full time. If you have a friend to help drive screws it will go quicker. We put luan in 4 x 8 sheets on the back and sides. We havent' had rain, so preparing for that. We can put up tarps on hooks to cover the top half, but the front is open. The girls can go to their back corner for shade or shelter. Good luck. It seems there is never enough time in the day. The general photos are attached.
Thank you so much that was extremely helpful. I have a tendency to overthink things when I'm stressed so seeing your build gave me a proper perspective.
 

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