Coop interior questions - any help appreciated (build in-progress)

[ross1]

Hello,

I'm building a coop and run modeled after the Wichita Cabin Coop and The Palace (thanks for the ideas!), to hold 5 hens (potentially 1-2 more in the future, though that sounds a bit too tight).

I've framed-out the main structure, and it's footprint is 5.5'x12'.

Despite reading a lot of threads, I'm unclear the best way to make use of my space -- specifically the perches for roosting and height constraints for both the coop area, and the area below the coop.

The coop area will be on the East end (see diagram) and is approximately 4.25'x5'. Doors of some fashion will live on the S side of the coop, with nesting boxes on the East side (perhaps just two on the back half?). You can see a plank (in mid-air) that would lead to the entrance of the coop.

How can I make the most of this space (especially from a roosting perspective and keeping some head-room in the run beneath the coop?

As drawn, there is about 28" of headroom for the run area beneath the coop floor, and the coop has about 49" of vertical space at the S end, sloping to 38" at the N end.

My initial thought is to put a roost running E-W 18"+6" off the coop floor (20" head room above the perch), 16-18" off the 'door' S wall. However, this is getting tight on roosting space (by the 1' per bird rule), and it would be nice to have additional roosting space. That said, I want to keep as much free floor space, as possible.

Currently, I'm unsure if I would use the Deep Litter Method, Poop Hammock, or something else (which might impact the layout).

One thing I'm unclear on is if the hens can actually 'hop up' to the perch at 18-24" and hop-down, or if this requires some flying and if that can be done in such a small space. I have also read that placing a second perch 12" below and 12" in front of the highest perch is an option -- though it seems that would reduce the space the birds have to roam, and I'm unclear if this would be a perch some birds would actually use.

Can anyone provide a recommendation as to how maximize use of space in this coop, including roosting/perch layout?

Also, I was concerned that if the roost is at the S end and the birds are within 20" of the ceiling, if putting ventilation similar to the Wichita Cabin Coop or The Palace would be an issue (as it would be close to the birds). If anyone can provide some insight on this, I'd appreciate it.

I'm located in the Denver, Colorado area.

Thank in advance for your insight.

Ross

 

[DanEP]

Ross1
A couple of quick thoughts

Unless you plan to feed and water under the coop with hanging feeders you could lower the headroom under the coop down to 22 - 24 inches that would give more headroom. The chickens won't care as long as they can stand up it's ok.
You might consider going 6' wide instead of 5.5'. Given lumber lengths the only extra materials needed would be the wire for the run.
also if you are really needing extra headroom you could frame out the floor with 2 x 2 boards just add an extra board or two for added strength and you'll be fine. If you drop the headroom to 24" and use 2 x 2 framing for the floor this would give you an extra 6" of height inside the coop.
And unless your planning on bantam chickens a roost height of 22 to 24 inches will be just fine

If I was doing it I would place the perch on the north wall and place my external nest boxes on the east wall on the south end with some kind of a door on the north end of the east wall for cleaning under the perches that is where you will find most of the mess will be anyway. You also want to make your perch out of a 2 x 4 layed flat ( wide side up ) and make it removable I have a small coop for bantam cochins and built a tray or drawer that slides under the perch and it makes cleaning easier just slide it out and dump.
these are just some thoughts just remember that you need to make it work for you.
Dan

 

[aart]

Lots of good ideas here Coop Interiors Thread

 

[4 the Birds]

I would add exterior nest boxes (2 or 3) at on end and span the roost bar the length of the coop. A ramp up to the bar is best to deter flapping and minimize dust. A large access door in the front to clean and the pop door on the other end opposite the nest boxes that goes out to the run. Not sure that I would consider more than 4 or 5 birds for the space. Hope this helps!

 

[ross1]

Thanks for the ideas, DanEP

My initial thinking was that having more space under the coop would make it easier to clean, get to the chickens, etc -- though you are probably right that the space is better spent on the upstairs.

I've already framed the main structure and can't go wider than 5.5' would have been nice if I could have.

Unfortunately, the North wall is adjacent to the fence, so I won't be able to access from that side.

Good thoughts on using thinner lumber for framing. Perhaps I'd even just turn the 2x4's sideways to retain some of the strength.

So, for a perch 22-24" off the deck (effectively shorter with DLM), the chickens don't need a ramp or intermediate bar to get up on the bar (within the confines of a coop)?

Thanks!
Ross

 

[wayne hulgan]

I have only one word, Poop Boards. well thats 2 words. I went back and built in poop boards after my coop was finished. sure wish I had planed for them before construction. That one thing helps keep the coop cleaner than anything I have ever done. We use the deep litter method, and with poop boards it stays pretty clean. I keep the feeder inside my coop, nightime critters come by and eat it all up if we don't. so even with the feeder inside, it still stays clean.

 

[ross1]

4 the birds -- thanks for the feedback!

Yeah -- definitely looking to make the nesting boxes external.

Thanks for the note on the dust/flapping/ramp. Curious about the ramp up to the bar... assuming you can only have the ramp attach to the bar at one location... if you put it at one end of the bar, how do the chickens at the opposite end of the bar get down? I assume they can't pass each other on the bar?

Also, since the roof slopes... if I make the bar run the length of the coop, I'm most constrained on the back side. Is it OK of part of the bar is < 18" (say 16" at the back)?