Coop ideas HELP.

[PaigeAshbaugh]

What are MUST HAVES for a coop?this is so stressful

 

[IdyllwildAcres]

Walk in, bigger is better. Size matters. Room for storage, roost, nest boxes and brooder. Make it twice as big as you think you need.

Gary

 

[pineapple416]

It depends on how many chickens you have. The bigger your flock the bigger the coop. I agree that a walk in coop is really nice, though none of our coops are.
Oh also don't forget about ventilation and make sure it is predator proof.
I seems stressful at first but it will all work out trust me

 

[PaigeAshbaugh]

My husband didn’t want to make a closed in part, like just be all open, but don’t they need like a “house” part to actually be inside at some points? It’s pretty predator proof I think.

 

[IdyllwildAcres]

My husband didn’t want to make a closed in part, like just be all open, but don’t they need like a “house” part to actually be inside at some points? It’s pretty predator proof I think.

Nothing wrong with open, as long as they can get out of the drafts while roosting

Look at the woods coop design

Gary

 

[DaviJones]

I built a more hutch like one(because it took less work and materials) but I would recommend a walk in, unless you're still a strapping young lad who can crawl around in there to clean and restock rations.
Coop Necessities:
-Room for Feeder and Waterer or posts to hang them on, if they hang
-Perches, about a foot of space per bird
Ventilation, it depends on where you live a bit, but I've heard something like 2in per square foot, I'd look more into it. Oh and it's best to put it at the top.

Coop Nice-cessities
Poop Board (goes under your perches, I used an old window screen)
That's actally the only one I can think of, I'll edit later though

 

[Ruralhideaway]

Safety. Hardware cloth for fencing rather than chicken wire. Know your local predators. Here it's raccoons, skunks, weasels big and small, coyotes, tons of fox, raptors. Yours will be different.

Space, 4sq ft in a coop per bird, 10 sq ft in the run. You'll need shade there and could likely arrange an open front roosting box to block wind.

Roosts, 2 x 4s are many people's preference. Flat side up for me but opinions vary.

Windows and heat protection if you do end up with an enclosed coop.

Nesting boxes, many ways to do them.

Being able to stand comfortably in your run will make chicken keeping so much more enjoyable! The short pre fab runs look awful to service.

Pictures of what you've got so far would help.

Oh and

 

[21hens-incharge]

My husband didn’t want to make a closed in part, like just be all open, but don’t they need like a “house” part to actually be inside at some points? It’s pretty predator proof I think.

First.... Thank you for having your location listed.


So from your location you get hot summers and lots of rain right?

They would be happier birds and more productive if they have a structure to sleep and lay eggs in.

Yes they need protection from the weather no matter what state one lives in.
A wet hen is not a happy hen.

The general guidelines are 4sq foot inside the structure (coop) per bird and 10 sq foot in the run per bird. More is always better but not always in the budget.
If keeping breeds that tend to be bossy more space may be a requirement to keep the peace.

 

[PaigeAshbaugh]

I’m sorry For the late reply I didn’t get the notifications!! But this is what we have thus far. I’ve been told is large but so far it’s been pretty neat to build!!

 

[21hens-incharge]

I’m sorry For the late reply I didn’t get the notifications!! But this is what we have thus far. I’ve been told is large but so far it’s been pretty neat to build!!

SWEEEEET!

They should be happy birds!