Coop/run plans - thoughts on this one?

[FNF]

Hello - we have 12 chicks coming in the spring. We have one coop already (long story there), but we'd like to build a coop and run for the new birds to live in once out of the brooder since the pre-fab options seem pretty crummy and/or overpriced. Plans are all over the place, and the options in these forums are too overwhelming! We're willing to pay for the plans of course if they fit what we want - I was looking at this one but wanted input if anyone has used these plans or built something similar. We are capable of making some modifications (like adding a couple of top-hinged windows for ventilation along with hardware cloth over them for safety...a predator apron around the whole thing, etc.). They will be able to free-range in a large fenced area so not solely kept in the coop/run except the first couple of days they are moved outside. I recognize we may not end up with 12 but I'm being optimistic - plus having the space for up to 15 would be nice for future additions. Thanks!

 

[aart]

It IS overwhelming.
A lot of the plans out there are just as bad as the prefab coops as far as bird and keeper comfort and ease.

Would help to know what coop you have now and what you like, and don't like, about it.

Would also help to know.....
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!

 

[FNF]

We do like our current coop - the issue is we have had (probably) Marek's in our flock and lost three birds (all Ameraucanas, two hens and one rooster) within the last 18 months. Our remaining hens (one Ameraucana and six red and black stars) are healthy so far. I know you can't eradicate, it's in the soil and dust and wild birds and our neighbors have chickens, the prior owner had chickens etc. so it's something we just have to acknowledge going forward. I've read one way to try to give everyone the best shot is introduce the new birds a little later (vaccinated as chicks of course, for whatever that's worth), around six months of age. So this new coop would be in a different area, with as much biosecurity as we can manage though given wind and dust maybe not super helpful, and would be their pullet coop until we decide to try to integrate everyone.

The current coop is a Carolina Coop, it's got excellent ventilation, three wrapped roosting bars, five nest boxes, and an attached run with weather panels that go on and off. It's nicely constructed and predator-proofed with auto doors. The interim coop could be the same style but trying to save money by building something ourselves, and on a slightly smaller scale since it's not intended to be the permanent home.

I told you it was a long story Does that make any sense or am I over-complicating this? Maybe there is no point to the interim coop at all and we should just do a normal integration. I'm open to ideas!

 

[aart]

the issue is we have had (probably) Marek's

Probably. No necropsy with labs done to confirm or deny Mareks?

 

[FNF]

Probably. No necropsy with labs done to confirm or deny Mareks?

I did have necropsy done on the first two - it was "probable" because of the presence of tumors in both young hens. The more recent report states "Lymphoma (likely Marek's disease)" and the first one from last year stated "The pathologist identified lesions consistent with lymphoma. While additional tissues were assessed, a determination between whether this was caused by Marek's Disease Virus or Avian leukosis virus could not be determined."
So we'll go with 99%

 

[Penpal]

If it is not going to be permanent, you could put up a hoop house. You can make one with cattle panels, or make a small one with PVC pipes.

 

[rosemarythyme]

As far as the coop design, the Garden Coop does at least provide good light and ventilation, though depending on where it's placed I'd worry about the coop turning into an oven in summer if you go with clear roof panels as shown.

If this strictly would be for shorter term use and for younger birds then it would probably be fine for 12, otherwise they're overestimating how many it comfortably holds.

But yes a hoop coop as mentioned above would be a more cost efficient option.