Coop inside a shed (sizing questions)

[briants21]

I have just finished building an 8'x12' backyard shed for storage. As an afterthought, I would like to construct a coop inside the shed for roosting / nesting, cut a hole in the wall, and create a run out the back. The shed is built on a slope and is elevated, so they could have the whole underside of the shed to run as well. My question concerns sizing of the coop. Our town ordinance allows for 4 hens, so that is all we plan to have. So far I have gathered from this forum that the standard is 4 sf per chicken, with 12" of roosting space per chicken, and the roost should be positioned at least 12" from the wall. My plan is to frame a "box" inside the shed that has a footprint of 3'x5'. Access would be through a hinged wall so that I can also store items on top of the coop.

I have the following questions:

- How many nesting boxes are needed for 4 laying hens?
- What type of material is recommended on the interior of the coop for ease of cleaning?
- Assuming the footprint of the coop is 3' x 5', what would be an appropriate height?
- We are in Arkansas, so I am concerned about the shed getting too hot in the summertime. The shed has soffit vents, but should more ventilation be added?

Is there anything else that I should take into consideration? I sincerely appreciate any advice.

 

[jetdog]

I have just finished building an 8'x12' backyard shed for storage.  As an afterthought, I would like to construct a coop inside the shed for roosting / nesting, cut a hole in the wall, and create a run out the back.  The shed is built on a slope and is elevated, so they could have the whole underside of the shed to run as well.  My question concerns sizing of the coop.  Our town ordinance allows for 4 hens, so that is all we plan to have.  So far I have gathered from this forum that the standard is 4 sf per chicken, with 12" of roosting space per chicken, and the roost should be positioned at least 12" from the wall.  My plan is to frame a "box" inside the shed that has a footprint of 3'x5'.  Access would be through a hinged wall so that I can also store items on top of the coop.  

I have the following questions:

-  How many nesting boxes are needed for 4 laying hens?
-  What type of material is recommended on the interior of the coop for ease of cleaning?
-  Assuming the footprint of the coop is 3' x 5', what would be an appropriate height?
-  We are in Arkansas, so I am concerned about the shed getting too hot in the summertime.  The shed has soffit vents, but should more ventilation be added?

Is there anything else that I should take into consideration?  I sincerely appreciate any advice.  

2 laying boxes max i built mine 14x14,vinyl flooring is very easy to clean with a good layer of shavings on top,it's very nice to be able to stand up in the coop for cleaning so more head room the better, you will need more ventilation maybe add a screen door to the shed door with hardware cloth over the screen.

 

[briants21]

Good advice, thank you. I am not sure I want to build something tall enough to stand up in. I don't mind getting on my hands and knees for cleaning, but is there a magic height would be needed to make the chickens happy (i.e. flying/jumping on and off the perch)? I was thinking about 3.5' tall, so the coop would be 5' wide by 3' deep by 3.5' tall. Thanks again.

 

[jetdog]

No magic height, they will always go to the highest level just make sure the roost is higher than the nest box or they will sleep in them and make a mess. You want at least a foot of headroom when they are on the roost.

 

[briants21]

I just found out that although our town's ordinance allows chickens, my stupid POA does not. I guess I will file the plans until we move away from the yuppies.