coop materials question

[JaceAgain]

For an embarrassingly basic visual, I was trying to figure out sketchup and this is what I have envisioned I think. The roof will be the slanted part, I couldn't figure out how to make it slice off the excess. 4x8x6-8, with hardware cloth on panel and for the door. The mesh panel faces east, the door north, the backwall will be close to the side of my house, and the south side might have small transom vent. I'll plastic up the larger part of the mesh in the winter, but they don't get that harsh around here, 30's - 40's mainly. snows an inch once or twice. I plan on free ranging a ton. Anyway, I'd love some constructive feedback,its not like I really have a clue here lol.

 

[Sweetest]

I used something very similar to the Smartside for my 10x10 chicken coop. The floor inside is plywood, and we use the deep litter method. It helps keep the coop warm. Our coop roof is just plywood covered with tar paper and shingles. Our run is 10x40 chain link fence panels like you would use for a dog kennel. It is topped with netting to keep hawks out. And a portion of it was "roofed" with something called Kennel Cover (metal poles and a tarp, basically).

My only suggestion is to think about your coop design. A LOT. Namely, don't make 8 foot walls on top of a foot-deep cinderblock foundation, and make a 4.75' tall roof on top of that. Wasn't smart.

 

[RockyComfort]

I would avoid cement/backer board. Heavy and difficult to work with (joints need to be taped and skim coated as well), compared to wood. I would stick with 4x8 sheets of ext wood siding from Lowes and or pole barn metal for siding or roof.

 

[Primo]

Did you use this over osb? That stuff looks great!

No, there is no need to use it over osb

 

[Primo]

For an embarrassingly basic visual, I was trying to figure out sketchup and this is what I have envisioned I think. The roof will be the slanted part, I couldn't figure out how to make it slice off the excess. 4x8x6-8, with hardware cloth on panel and for the door. The mesh panel faces east, the door north, the backwall will be close to the side of my house, and the south side might have small transom vent. I'll plastic up the larger part of the mesh in the winter, but they don't get that harsh around here, 30's - 40's mainly. snows an inch once or twice. I plan on free ranging a ton. Anyway, I'd love some constructive feedback,its not like I really have a clue here lol.

Search for "Purina coop plans" It is a very easy to build coop based on standard material sizes 4x8 etc. Look in my photo gallery to see my take on this coop. Only difference is I made it with the entire top ventilated just under the roof line. It sounds like our weather is similar, It did get down to 12 degrees a couple times. Not a problem for the chickens, it is the heat that you should make the most accomodations for. Just another option for you to look at

 

[JaceAgain]

Search for "Purina coop plans" It is a very easy to build coop based on standard material sizes 4x8 etc. Look in my photo gallery to see my take on this coop. Only difference is I made it with the entire top ventilated just under the roof line. It sounds like our weather is similar, It did get down to 12 degrees a couple times. Not a problem for the chickens, it is the heat that you should make the most accomodations for. Just another option for you to look at

Ive seen those, but I really want a walk in coop, for ease of cleaning/ access/ egg gathering.

 

[JaceAgain]

No, there is no need to use it over osb

Excellent thank you!

 

[FVRM]

Do you do the deep shaving litter method with that? Or just the cardboard?

I use the deep litter but instead of straw I use cardboard.