Cordwood Coop Design Approval

[nikiandalex]

Hello all! Long time reader, first time poster - and first time chicken owner. I've finally took the plunge! We have 7 four week old pullets and have 15 guineas coming in early June. I've designed this cordwood coop for 30 birds in the event we get more. We live in central Virginia where it can get into the single digits in winter. The open air wire top is a worry to me and wanted to see if you all approved my design - or, even better, tell me what's wrong with it! It will be a dirt floor with straw (extra on cold nights). Any advise would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

 

[nikiandalex]

Sorry - didn't realize how hard that would be to see. If you can't read the words they say: Each square = 1 sq ft; Appox 160 sq ft - 15' in diameter; 8 nesting boxes - stacked 4x4; 2 roosts - 15' x 12' set at 2' and 3' respectively - 2x2 dowel; Closed side facing NW; Open wire top.

 

[loveourbirds]

am I picturing this right? a 10x16 cordwood coop, with a 15 foot diameter circular run?

 

[wolftracks]

If there's a solid roof, it looks like it would work. There has to be ventilation in the winter and a way to make sure of no drafts, but I live in California so not much help. I swore to never live where it snows ever again. Bones are to cold. I wanted to see what you were doing though because the idea was interesting and I'd love to see what you come up with and if anyone will offer some help to make sure everything you need is covered. Great idea BTW. And

 

[aart]

I see outside dimensions of 10x15.......but....how thick are the walls?

 

[nikiandalex]

It is a view of all angles - top, front (sorta...I wanted to show the round walls) and side. It is 15' round for the most part - with a 10' flat side for the nesting boxes and door. I'm most concerned about the term "ventilation" because how much is too much? All of my ventilation will be on the top of the coop due to the open wire, but is this too much for the elements? The walls will most likely be 12" thick, keeping the internal measurements the same, so I suppose the front & top view should be altered, but forgive me. This may provide more detail:

 

[aart]

Your drawing is very confusing..but then I am a drafter by trade.

So the 15 foot diameter is the inside dimension? ....and the walls will go out from there?

You logs will be touching on the inside diameter and spread out at the outside diameter, your roof will be oval shaped.
Pretty interesting, outside of the box both figuratively and literally


What is your climate?

Usually you need some fresh air intake down lower and moist, ammonia laden air to escape up high.