Deciding on a coup

[EShorechickens]

Hi everyone. I am looking for plans and an easy to build chicken coup. I am on the eastern shore of MD. I would like to have 4 to 6 hens. I have almost an acre of land, trees and cleared. I don't want to spend a lot on the coup, so store bought isn't an option. I know it has to be weather proof, ventilated and insulated with a shingled roof. Uncomplicated plans out there??

 

[flyin-lowe]

When you say not expensive, what kind of budget are you dealing with. Building your own is definitely cheaper if you have the skills to do it. When I was planning to get my first coop I found the second cheapest option was a pre made storage shed from Lowes that I could modify. But if you are only planning 4-6 hens you wouldn't need one that big.
24 square foot of floor space would be the smallest recommended for 6 hens, so keep that in mind. That would not include space for internal next boxes, feeders, water, etc.
Let us know if you have the skills to build your own.....

 

[jthornton]

You should put your general location in your profile so it's always there.

Here is a good book on coops Woods.

JT

 

[Shamo Hybrid]

Might I suggest a Honda Civic? Oooooh.... you mean 'Coop'.

 

[imnukensc]

I know it has to be weather proof, ventilated and insulated with a shingled roof. Uncomplicated plans out there??

Plenty of plans/ideas right on this site. Look around some. You'll find something that suits you. FWIW, in your location/climate, the coop doesn't need any insulation nor does it have to have shingled roof. Dry and well ventilated is important. Somewhat south of you here, but my coop is not insulated and has a metal roof.

 

[EShorechickens]

When you say not expensive, what kind of budget are you dealing with. Building your own is definitely cheaper if you have the skills to do it. When I was planning to get my first coop I found the second cheapest option was a pre made storage shed from Lowes that I could modify. But if you are only planning 4-6 hens you wouldn't need one that big.
24 square foot of floor space would be the smallest recommended for 6 hens, so keep that in mind. That would not include space for internal next boxes, feeders, water, etc.
Let us know if you have the skills to build your own.....

 

[EShorechickens]

I was thinking 4 X 8, with nest boxes on the 4ft side. I'm debating how tall to make it. I want to used 2X4s or something similar 1/2" wire mesh. I guess I need an idea of how much lumber and mesh I would need. Hardware, what kind of door. The tray to clean under, and or wheels. I want a protected run for them, but I want to let them free range when opportune.

 

[feathermaid]

Definitely make the run tall enough to walk in... coop just needs to be easily accessible, maybe with large doors. You especially want to be able to reach the roosts in case you need to catch and inspect your birds at night.

Size of your coop really depends on how you plan to manage their time outside.
How Much Room Do Chickens Need?
You can get away with a small coop if they have open access to a large secure run. If you plan to keep them locked inside for any length of time (meaning you can't let them outside at sunrise) they'll need a bigger coop so they don't get cranky and bored and start pecking each other. My run is fully covered and completely secure so I never close the pop door... they always have free access to go in and out. At some point during the day (could be morning or afternoon) I open the run doors to give my girls access to their own yard until bedtime... usually I'll open their yard gate too, and let them free range in my backyard. This gives me a lot of flexibility in my routine.

My coop definitely isn't perfect, but I do have plans on my coop page (link under my avatar) with a price/materials list at the end. I don't know how uncomplicated it is though, I designed it myself. You could make your own modifications to suit your needs. Lots of folks build from scraps or pallets or even modify a shed. Just use the search bar.

Most important is to have adequate VENTILATION and air flow to accommodate chickens' sensitive respiratory systems:
Chicken Coop Ventilation - Go Out There And Cut More Holes In Your Coop!
Another article if you're concerned about predators:
Predator Proofing

Not sure if it's really necessary to insulate... this may help you decide:
To Insulate or Not To Insulate