Coop/nesting box/run questions

Chickmama672 · Apr 26, 2020

I'm going to do my best to explain this but I may fall short of the mark so if you have questions for clarification, please ask.

My husband and I are drawing up plans to build a pvc hoop enclosure which will function as a 10' x 10' covered run. On the back wall of the enclosure we want to include an option for an enclosed coop for cold weather/wind shelter and nesting boxes which will be accessible for egg collection from the outside. I have 10, five-week-old red sex links.

My question is this..with a run of 10' x 10' and the option to free range in the yard during the day as well, what is the minimum size the sheltered area needs to be to accommodate my flock when they're full grown and just need to get in out of the wind, rain or cold?

OlympicChick · Apr 26, 2020

Hi Chickmama672! Where are you located? This is important because we will all need to know what kind of weather conditions are in your particular area. This will help to determine how much space the chickens might need. Think of it this way: If you live in a very rainy or heavy snow area, the chickens will want to be inside much, much more than if you live in Hawaii. They would need more inside space in order to not go nuts on each other.

Chickmama672 · Apr 26, 2020

I'm in West Virginia and I live on a mountain..usually get a good amount of snow in the winter, although this year was pretty mild

OlympicChick · Apr 26, 2020

Other members will chime in about the size requirement, but I would think you would want to be able to close up at least half of the hoop run. That would give 5 sq ft per chicken.

Acre4Me · Apr 26, 2020

Overall, it is often said to give 4sqft of coop space per bird. This can be a bit flexible - a place with mild weather or with 24/7 predator proof run access can go a bit smaller on the coop bc the birds aren't likely to have to stay in the coop other than for roosting. But, in your less mild weather, you'll want more space for the birds.

Heavy rain, snow, deep cold, high winds are all things that will push you to increase the coop space. 2 sheets of plywood gives you an 8x8 coop (64 sq ft), 3 sheets gives you 96 sq ft). Is this doable for you? You'll ideally want a walk in coop - so much easier for you to clean and work inside when needed. In a snowy/cold area, don't forget to think about the access doors getting frozen shut. Add in a overhang or roof above the access doors to minimize this.

Don't forget ventilation is important, and lots of it. But don't rely on windows for that ventilation bc you'll close the windows in bad or extreme weather, but will still need the ventilation. So, plan for lots of upper ventilation, with the window being a nice-to-have-natural-light option.

Chickmama672 · May 1, 2020

Thank you everyone for your suggestions. I wanted to share some pictures of our newly constructed hoop house and coop. The coop is 8 feet by 4 feet with three nesting boxes and an access door in the back for egg collection. The run is 10ft by 10ft covered 3 feet high with half inch hardware cloth and then regular poultry fencing over the top of PVC poles to form the arch. It has a tarp over it to help with rain protection and the door in the front locks securely and has a spring on it to close the door behind you when you walk in. It has what I believe is called a pop door on the front side of the coop to allow access to the run and a ramp. As I am sure you will see, we have not yet put the shingles on the top of the coop and this afternoon we are installing the ventilation. We will also be making an automatic PVC feeder and waterer today.