Coop/run upgrade help

[Esrun]

There's quite a few docile breeds like Orpingtons and Faverolles but of course each bird is an individual so there's no guarantee. Avoid RIRs since they're often listed as being more domineering, and probably anything that's more game bird in type as they usually require more space even though they may be smaller birds.

If you'd rather have standard size birds I'd look to expand the run at the very least first as you currently have a bare minimum space for 8 standard size birds right now. So that's likely where you'd see the most conflict if any were to arise.

Just as there's no guarantee that they will get along, there's no guarantee that they won't get along either. But if you're willing to expand or rehome bully birds if it becomes necessary, then at least there's a plan on how to deal with it if it doesn't work out.

Thanks. I will look into these breeds. We are looking to open up the run to a larger size, close to double actually (I don’t have the exact measurements but the final run could be somewhere around 8x16). I just read another post (not related to this) and it made me realize something. My hens do not lay in the nesting box. Since this coop is so small the two who sleep inside just sleep in the “box” and sort of lay egg’s anywhere in the corner inside. The box is not very well defined so on the inside it just looks like it’s part of the coop. Would this be an issue with new birds? As in could my current birds teach them the wrong way to lay eggs? The new coop would definitely have a better set up for nesting boxes. This coop is really not great. It was given to me and I knew nothing really. I pulled off the teeny pen that was attached to it and my husband built me this bigger run to put it in instead. Thankfully I at least thought it didn’t look safe from a predator standpoint and it was so SMALL. I can’t believe it’s even sold as a chicken coop (I think it was a tractor maybe?)

 

[Huntmaster]

Can anyone give me tips on what to build in our current run?

Just remember anything in the run/coop will take up your sq ft and need to be deducted.

 

[Esrun]

Just remember anything in the run/coop will take up your sq ft and need to be deducted.

Even if it is raised off the ground giving them access to the run below?

 

[rosemarythyme]

My hens do not lay in the nesting box. Since this coop is so small the two who sleep inside just sleep in the “box” and sort of lay egg’s anywhere in the corner inside. The box is not very well defined so on the inside it just looks like it’s part of the coop. Would this be an issue with new birds? As in could my current birds teach them the wrong way to lay eggs?

Possibly. The eggs in the wrong place would encourage new layers to lay where they found those eggs, since chickens like to lay where others have safely laid before. If the nests aren't clearly defined and attractive to the birds, I can't blame them for choosing their own spot to lay in.

 

[Esrun]

Possibly. The eggs in the wrong place would encourage new layers to lay where they found those eggs, since chickens like to lay where others have safely laid before. If the nests aren't clearly defined and attractive to the birds, I can't blame them for choosing their own spot to lay in.

I will have to make sure the new coop has clearly defined egg boxes, because this current one does not.

 

[Tookie]

Actually I just measured and it’s only 8x10 this space could work for up to 8 birds though? I can do a 4x10 coop.

An 8x10' run would give 8 birds 10sq ft of space each, and that's the bare minimum.
That coop would be good for 8 birds.

Thanks. I will look into these breeds. We are looking to open up the run to a larger size, close to double actually (I don’t have the exact measurements but the final run could be somewhere around 8x16).

I think it would be a good idea to add more space, you won't regret it! Plus more space the better.

Even if it is raised off the ground giving them access to the run below?

No, if its raised off the ground the space underneath counts.

I will have to make sure the new coop has clearly defined egg boxes, because this current one does not.

Adding fake eggs or golf balls to the nesting boxes should help too.

 

[Esrun]

When considering how high to make the coop is there a guideline for how steep of a ramp is safe? Since we have two silkies I think I need to be careful of this. I’d like to have it waist high (I’m only 5’1” ) for ease of cleaning but I worry about the ramp.

 

[Esrun]

Also, is there somewhere I can find basics on designing a coop? I’m searching but lots of threads come up. I was hoping to find an article or something to help us design within the space we have.

 

[rosemarythyme]

When considering how high to make the coop is there a guideline for how steep of a ramp is safe?

I think around 30 degrees is about as steep at they'll go, after that you're looking at steps or platforms instead.

Also, is there somewhere I can find basics on designing a coop? I’m searching but lots of threads come up. I was hoping to find an article or something to help us design within the space we have

Not... really? There's the coop pages under Articles by size and capacity of coops, but generally we're going to ask for basic information like size of the space you're working with, climate, other concerns, and go from there. What works for one person in one area might not be optimal for someone somewhere else.

 

[Esrun]

I think around 30 degrees is about as steep at they'll go, after that you're looking at steps or platforms instead.

Not... really? There's the coop pages under Articles by size and capacity of coops, but generally we're going to ask for basic information like size of the space you're working with, climate, other concerns, and go from there. What works for one person in one area might not be optimal for someone somewhere else.

Thanks. I’m just so overwhelmed, which I wouldn’t think a 4x8 box would do to me. But I don’t understand how to set it up with roosts and egg boxes. I’m not sure if it makes more sense to build it outside the run and then connect to this existing run or build inside the run… I have read that roosts should be (I think) 20” off the ground. But I’ve seen ladder looking roosts. Not sure how to configure them so there is enough floor space for the chickens to fly down and up to them. Should they go along the 8’ or 4’ section? How tall should the coop be? I’m hoping not too tall as I’d like to maintain being able to see into the yard through the run (maybe thats silly but if it’s possible I’d like to try and maintain that).