Coop Flooring and Design Questions

[SapphireFarms]

I'm preparing to build a new coop 16'x28' and 8' high out of pallets. I'm thinking of using the deep litter method but have concerns about the Minnesota winters. If anyone in the colder areas use this method, I'd love to hear the pros and cons. I can put a floor in the building if it's the best option for my flock.

I'm also wondering about ventilation, should it vent from N to S or E to W or does it really matter as long as it's above the roosting area and won't put a breeze on the birds? I am planning to insulate the walls and place protective mesh over the vents and below the dirt floor (if I go that route). I'm planning on four windows as well, do you think that's enough for this large of a space?

The chickens will have a fenced acre to free range so will spend the day outside. This area is not fenced overhead just around the perimeter but has a lot of tree cover. Fencing is 5' high around the perimeter of their area. I will also be attaching a large enclosed run to the coop for a more protected area when they aren't free ranging. I'm currently getting all the land prepped and would love to hear any input or tips you all can offer. TIA

 

[jmhodder]

I vented from all four sides at the top. You can't have too much ventilation. My girls love the deep litter method. They scratch around a compost it while looking for bugs to eat. I have gone six months and have no odors when I open the doors. It works great. Those are two of the most important things I did, and me and my girls are happy.

 

[HenHouse4Life]

We live in Michigan and have used the deep litter method before. It isn't too bad. Using a bit of sweet PDZ (purchased at local TSC) helps to control odor. Pine shavings is what we use, large size. Lots of ventilation is crucial. Our breeds are cold hardy also as our winters can be cold and rather unbearably long.
I am glad to hear the free range area is tree covered but keep in mind hawks will perch in the trees and swoop down. Our flock has a covered run and I feel better knowing they're safe.
Good luck!!

 

[jthornton]

Have you read the Modern Fresh Air Poultry House book? It explains all about ventilation. In MN I would look a building a Woods style coop.

JT

 

[aart]

I'm preparing to build a new coop 16'x28' and 8' high out of pallets

WOW! Don't think I've ever seen a pallet build that large.

How many birds do you plan?

Good roof overhangs with open eave vent all around.
What kind of roofline do you have planned?

The chickens will have a fenced acre to free range so will spend the day outside.

Except during the winter...especially during storms.

 

[SapphireFarms]

Thanks for the feedback. It is a large coop build that's for sure! I'm planning about 50 chickens and 10 ducks plus room for storage and an area for new hatchlings(down the road). I am really leaning toward the DLM as it seems like the easiest and least expensive method for flooring. I will dig down and bury hardware cloth under the coop and then use shavings and straw to line the floor. As for the roof, I'm still thinking. We just got another 22" of snow this weekend so this project feels like it will never get started! I am thinking of doing a slant(sloped) tin or corrugated plastic roof. Open to ideas if you think something else would work better.

Can't wait to get started and share pictures along the way!

 

[aart]

We just got another 22" of snow this weekend

Just make sure your walls can support a roof that can support 22" of wet snow.
Can't wait to see what you come up with!

 

[jthornton]

We just got another 22" of snow this weekend

I would put a 6:12 pitch roof on it to shed the snow load anything shallower will accumulate snow and could collapse the structure. A pallet build that big might end up being a bit weak in the walls where the upper and lower pallets are joined.

JT

 

[SapphireFarms]

I would put a 6:12 pitch roof on it to shed the snow load anything shallower will accumulate snow and could collapse the structure. A pallet build that big might end up being a bit weak in the walls where the upper and lower pallets are joined.

JT

There will definitely be some extra support put into the building to help with the walls for the longer runs of pallets on the front and back. There will also be some internal wall structures that will help with support as well. I will look into doing a pitched roof instead of the slant roof. Thanks for the tips!

 

[barn206]

Thanks for the feedback. It is a large coop build that's for sure! I'm planning about 50 chickens and 10 ducks plus room for storage and an area for new hatchlings(down the road). I am really leaning toward the DLM as it seems like the easiest and least expensive method for flooring. I will dig down and bury hardware cloth under the coop and then use shavings and straw to line the floor. As for the roof, I'm still thinking. We just got another 22" of snow this weekend so this project feels like it will never get started! I am thinking of doing a slant(sloped) tin or corrugated plastic roof. Open to ideas if you think something else would work better.

Can't wait to get started and share pictures along the way!

That’s not a coop, it’s a barn
Would love a coop that size..
My suggestion is if you do a flat pitched roof with no support beam in the middle, I would consider 2x10’s , you probably could get away with 2x8’s but that’s up to you. The more the pitch the better. If you call your local lumberyard , they can probably order trusses for you. Its worth pricing them just for an idea. Good luck with the coop, you’re going to love the space!!!