Das Hühnerhaus

[Alabama Jack]

Really appreciate all the feedback and mentoring!! I was using the 4 sq ft per chicken calculation, which would allow 10 in the coop. Good point about being cooped up and needing additional space during bad weather and when we have a baby sitter for vacations. The chickens will "free range" when we are around, so maybe 1-3 hours per weekday, and more on the weekends. The run will now be around 12x6, so around enough for seven, if we weren't free ranging. Do you think the minimum amount of free range will make up for the lack of space. I wrote all this before reading Aart's recommended reading, so I'm off to do that.

Cheers,
Jack

 

[aart]

Free range can help for sure....BUT....there's might always be a chance that you'll need to confine them for days on end, so better to have too much room that to squeeze by with too little.IMHO.

 

[drumstick diva]

I don't think minimum free ranging will compensate for too little run space. With that third layer of defense, the black fencing, chickens can get through the openings and so could predators. If you backed it with 1/2" inch hardware cloth that would boost security BUT, you still will have predators that can climb, jump or fly(hawks) into the area for free meals. It can be a never ending job outwitting them.

 

[Alabama Jack]

Thanks Diva, I appreciate the feedback. I've found a co-worker is in need of replenishments for his 5 year old flock, and he's willing to take as many as I need to get rid of. I'm still thinking 7-8 would work, and appreciate continued feedback!

Below is an update to my design, with a smaller shed and larger coop (thanks Aart!)

Still not 100% confident on the design of the roof. I'm planning 4/12 pitch on a gable roof. Which should I use: collar ties, ceiling joists or just plywood gussets? Should I use a ridge board?

Also, planning to add a 5 amp solar powered roof vent. I plan to have power in the coop, but like the solar idea (positioned over the coop, not how the drawing appears). Thoughts? Here's the one I'm looking at: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Active-V...RBSF-8-WT/204203001?N=5yc1vZc5uoZ12l2Z1z0w2mq

I'm also considering the placement of the nest box. I'm thinking about putting the nest box on the shed wall and moving the roost to the east (front in picture) side, and having the maintenance/cleaning access on the east side as well. I started thinking about having food and water in the coop and the positioning, and the next box or the roost make it difficult.

 

[Alabama Jack]

Framing day one complete. Bought 46 2x4" at 8' and 6 2x4 at 16' for the walls and top rail. Total cost was $190. Bought a framing nail gun too. Cost-Priceless... What a time saver. Got both long walls complete (but not pictured).

 

[N F C]

You're off and running now! Good idea on the nail gun, that should help a lot.

 

[Alabama Jack]

Framing day two complete. Got three walls up and the bottoms for the coop. Since the coop is so long, we're going to have the bottom of the first section be a part of the shed, instead of a part of the run. This gives us 16" of 3' tall space to slide a trash can or two under in the shed for feed and such and shortens the run under the coop for ease of cleaning.

The structure is a lot taller than I imagined. I cut the studs by 3" to make the total frame 8' tall to match up with the plywood side size. However, I think I should have cut it down to 7' total. The entry door to the run is 80" to the bottom of the cross plate.

Lilly pretending to be a chicken:



The cross boards are going to be the bottom of the coop. Shed is on the right.


Neighbor and wife resting after raising the first wall. The wall dropped right on the j-bolts.


Before we had the third wall in place, but a good picture. Looks so tall, but the landscape slopes down towards the camera.

 

[Alabama Jack]

You're off and running now! Good idea on the nail gun, that should help a lot.

Thanks! I was planning to use screws, but really wanted to make it faster with the nail gun. The bonus was that at the local home depot, an experienced carpenter told me that the nails are actually stronger and most times are required by building codes. Love to hear from others if that is true or not.

 

[Folly's place]

Nice work so far! Mary

 

[Alabama Jack]

Finished all the main walls. Forgot to build the door on the end wall, so I'll have to go back and sawzall the middle stud. Need to frame out the windows and rear access door. Could have done this on the ground, but wanted to visualize everything, after it was up.