We are building our first ever coop - Pics follow. Behind an outbuilding, in an old dog run. We will keep chain link fence for durability against dogs (some random large dogs are around) and since it is already there, we don't see a need to remove it. However, we will build an interior frame for hardware cloth too. This hardware cloth envelope will get a door that matches up with the chain link door. We will be adding a clear roof over the run, but the coop will have a solid roof (plywood/shingles) since that will likely help in the very cold winter time to keep in some heat.
The outbuilding that is behind it has electric and we plan to connect this to electric for lighting, at least.
Ventilation will be primarily up in eaves and in the angle created by roof.
Entire run will be 8x45 feet. Coop is 10x6 feet.
Number of chickens is 16 (including 5 males, so we will get rid of 3-4 males).
We raised it approx 2 feet off the ground to maximize the run space, and to help limit critter access points. This means we have to make a platform and steps (or ramp) to get in and out.
Pics below, feel free to comment. Currently have the following questions:
1. how big for nest boxes? Thinking 2 boxes side by side. Would like them wide enough for 2 chickens to nestle next to each other and lay if that is possible. We are planning to have nest boxes sticking out of the side of the build, next to the door platform, but they could go under the poop boards too and stay interior. Need ideas on various ways to access these nest boxes to retrieve eggs. Any links to various nest box options would be appreciated.
2. Good ideas for the step and platform (or ramp) - trying to determine if we can put wheelbarrow or similar under the platform and just push/shovel/sweep dirt and droppings into the wheelbarrow easily.
3. People and Chicken door - spouse wants to have people door with a smaller chicken door incorporated into the people door. good or bad idea?
4. Ventilation - primarily up in eaves and on sides where the triangle is created with the roof line. Covered with hardware cloth, of course. Spouse wants to know if there should be ventilation lower down (like under the poop boards to help with air flow) or just rely on upper ventilation.
5. Window - planning on putting one on the South facing side that is 10 feet long. One window is adequate for light and extra ventilation? or not really needed?
6. Roost bars - should I have them in the U- configuration of the basic drawing attached or in a ladder format? Can someone provide me with the best specs for roost bars and poop boards and or ladders? I know that birds can pick out feathers of others if they are too crowded, close or whatever.
7. Anything else I should know! Never done this before! Thx.
Current state of build:
Possible configuration:
The outbuilding that is behind it has electric and we plan to connect this to electric for lighting, at least.
Ventilation will be primarily up in eaves and in the angle created by roof.
Entire run will be 8x45 feet. Coop is 10x6 feet.
Number of chickens is 16 (including 5 males, so we will get rid of 3-4 males).
We raised it approx 2 feet off the ground to maximize the run space, and to help limit critter access points. This means we have to make a platform and steps (or ramp) to get in and out.
Pics below, feel free to comment. Currently have the following questions:
1. how big for nest boxes? Thinking 2 boxes side by side. Would like them wide enough for 2 chickens to nestle next to each other and lay if that is possible. We are planning to have nest boxes sticking out of the side of the build, next to the door platform, but they could go under the poop boards too and stay interior. Need ideas on various ways to access these nest boxes to retrieve eggs. Any links to various nest box options would be appreciated.
2. Good ideas for the step and platform (or ramp) - trying to determine if we can put wheelbarrow or similar under the platform and just push/shovel/sweep dirt and droppings into the wheelbarrow easily.
3. People and Chicken door - spouse wants to have people door with a smaller chicken door incorporated into the people door. good or bad idea?
4. Ventilation - primarily up in eaves and on sides where the triangle is created with the roof line. Covered with hardware cloth, of course. Spouse wants to know if there should be ventilation lower down (like under the poop boards to help with air flow) or just rely on upper ventilation.
5. Window - planning on putting one on the South facing side that is 10 feet long. One window is adequate for light and extra ventilation? or not really needed?
6. Roost bars - should I have them in the U- configuration of the basic drawing attached or in a ladder format? Can someone provide me with the best specs for roost bars and poop boards and or ladders? I know that birds can pick out feathers of others if they are too crowded, close or whatever.
7. Anything else I should know! Never done this before! Thx.
Current state of build:
Possible configuration:
