Coop layout questions/feedback request

[jwgreen]

Hi! I've been reading a bunch and we finally have started construction on our coop. The entire coop will be 12'x40', with the henhouse building 12'x12' and run 12'x28'. Wall height will be 9', give or take. We have the floor framing about done. I have some layout's drawn up in excel to get an idea on wall framing that I would appreciate any advise and feedback. I like the Carolina Coops designs, so doing something similar here. The current plan is to have an 8'x6' roosting area with storage underneath. I have the chicken door on the same side as the nest box. I've been reading about how high the roost bars should be. Scale on the grids is one square = 6", and each wall will lose some square footage for wall studs.

I plan on building the hen house first, then doing the run with a shorter wall height - maybe 7-8'.

We plan on deep litter method and starting with 6-8 chickens. Have no clue on breeds yet.

Questions -
1) I've read here and elsewhere about chickens roosting on rafter ties. There won't be any rafter ties over the roost area, but I'm concerned that with a 12' width in the run, I will need at least a few sets of rafter ties here and there. I do not plan on decking the roof, just a metal roof over rafters and purlins, with a ridge vent in the hen house. But I see Carolina Coops, and lots of others, that don't have rafter ties and have some pretty long runs. Plan on probably a 6/12 pitch for both.
2) I've read about ventilation, a lot, and the Carolina Coops typically have a window above the nesting box, which puts it at about the same height as the roosting bars. Not sure if that will be a bad thing - Central TX here and it's hot more than cold.
3) I have 2 feet between the roost bars and the roost bar closest to the chicken door at 2.5 feet. Is that enough space for them to get up and down?

Any other advice or suggestions for the design? Thank you all!

 

[ChaosMom]

2) I've read about ventilation, a lot, and the Carolina Coops typically have a window above the nesting box, which puts it at about the same height as the roosting bars. Not sure if that will be a bad thing - Central TX here and it's hot more than cold.

Just a quick comment on this from a noob who has probably spent way too much time researching: Think of two types of ventilation in areas with warm summers:

1) Year-round ventilation, above their heads when they are on the roost, that is never closed off. Up in the eaves, up in gable ends, etc. One square foot per bird of this permanent ventilation. This is to keep air and circulating, reducing ammonia, and moisture minimized, reducing chances of frostbite on winter nights.

2) Ventilation that can be opened and closed, including potentially at roost level for welcome breezes during miserable heat.

Chickens do NOT like drafts most times. My 12-week-old pullets have gone back in their coop in temps in the mid-70's when our very common brisk breezes literally ruffle their feathers. But when it's in the 80's (we're having a weird spring - 29 degrees forecast for Tuesday night), they love it.

I'm jealous of all your space! Good luck!

 

[jwgreen]

Made a little progress on the henhouse portion of the coop. Thought I would make the walls tall, so used the 10 foot 2x6s. Then, when hanging the rafters, was thoroughly reminded of my fear of heights and wobbly ladders. So now looking for a roofer to throw some purlins and sheet metal up for the roof. Ready to get all that done and the siding so I can start the fun stuff, like windows and doors and whatnot. Things closer to the ground, lol.

I will say I have been considering a ridge vent and debating that vs. gable vents. The eves will be open (no soffit) and the exterior wall will hit the bottom of the rafters, so will have an open space for ventilation there along each side. Wondering if a ridge vent is necessary, or if I just leave the top foot or so of the gable open and screen it if that will work better.

The trex flooring space won't be accessible to the chickens. That's where I will be when I'm in trouble with the base commander.

 

[Frostette]

Made a little progress on the henhouse portion of the coop. Thought I would make the walls tall, so used the 10 foot 2x6s. Then, when hanging the rafters, was thoroughly reminded of my fear of heights and wobbly ladders. So now looking for a roofer to throw some purlins and sheet metal up for the roof. Ready to get all that done and the siding so I can start the fun stuff, like windows and doors and whatnot. Things closer to the ground, lol.

I will say I have been considering a ridge vent and debating that vs. gable vents. The eves will be open (no soffit) and the exterior wall will hit the bottom of the rafters, so will have an open space for ventilation there along each side. Wondering if a ridge vent is necessary, or if I just leave the top foot or so of the gable open and screen it if that will work better.

The trex flooring space won't be accessible to the chickens. That's where I will be when I'm in trouble with the base commander.

What a nice setup!! Not sure

 

[Frostette]

What a nice setup!! Not sure

Oops, hadn't finished....I want to stress ventilation. Texas (ugh!). It's way too hot and you will need a fan and lots of windows. And trees and shrubs nearby. But you also get enough cold weather in the winter to make it necessary to make the coop able to keep the chickens comfortable.
And after having chickens for 30 years using poles for roosts,. I am Now obsessed with using 2x4's for roosts. What a difference! They can walk along it to find the place they want and sit comfortably and secure

 

[jwgreen]

Thanks, Frostette! I had read about ventilation, so when we put the roof on, there is a ridge vent gap underneath the ridge cap, and there will be gable vents on the gabled ends up high. The rafters are open under the roof and will get screened for predators. I have been looking for some solar powered gable fans, since there's no electricity to the building. Making progress, but still a ways to go.

I thought about using some left over stair handrail pieces the builder left here when we built our house. About 3" wide, and just slightly rounded on the top.

The walls are 10' tall. I liked tall ceilings, until I had to put up the ridge board when I was framing this! The roosting area in the hen house is 8' wide by 6' deep. It doesn't look like it from this angle, but the rest of the run is 28' long and everything is 12' wide. The walls of the run will be much shorter!