Deciding Which To Build - Brain Scrambled

[MSgt Mike]

Have searched high and low on this forum and the rest of the www. Scrounged 3 pickup loads of scrap from various build sites and have plenty for the floor, roof, plus some studs. Am starting to narrow the choices to either the palace or a barn style like this. Have downloaded these plans and it looks easy enough, but can somebody convince me there is enough roosting space? Maybe I'm just not seeing it. In her blog she mentions that they added some roost bars. I would also build an attached run and probably hang food and water under the house plus add more ventilation. Probably start with 5-6 hens, but would like to be able to do up to 10 if that "chicken math" thing gets us. Thanks in advance!

 

[ChickenGirl555]

Have searched high and low on this forum and the rest of the www. Scrounged 3 pickup loads of scrap from various build sites and have plenty for the floor, roof, plus some studs. Am starting to narrow the choices to either the palace or a barn style like this. Have downloaded these plans and it looks easy enough, but can somebody convince me there is enough roosting space? Maybe I'm just not seeing it. In her blog she mentions that they added some roost bars. I would also build an attached run and probably hang food and water under the house plus add more ventilation. Probably start with 5-6 hens, but would like to be able to do up to 10 if that "chicken math" thing gets us. Thanks in advance!

View attachment 1182806

I made that EXACT same coop, but I changed it a little. I currently have 6 pullets living in it, and it is my only coop, and there is PLENTY roost space, so don't worry. I made a run that attaches, and also made the coop moveable by putting strong wheels on the bottom, but it takes all of my 4 family members to move it, so it does take a little work. If you'd like to see it, here's the link. But otherwise, I highly recommend this coop. It's working amazingly for my ladies!

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/my-coop.1207258/

 

[MSgt Mike]

Thanks! This is very helpful.

 

[ChickenGirl555]

Thanks! This is very helpful.

Happy to help

 

[Ridgerunner]

What is the physical size of that, in feet or meters? Do they have a photo showing how the insides are set up, especially the roosts? Roughly where are you so we can get an idea of your climate? How are those nests set up, number and size? Is that ridge vent the only ventilation? Will you get enough snow to block it?

There is nothing wrong with the style the devil is in the details.

 

[MSgt Mike]

Floor space is roughly 4x8. Details are here http://blog.homedepot.com/free-plans-for-an-awesome-chicken-coop/
The builder said they added some roosts but hens also use the rafters. We live about 40 miles north of Dallas, usually not enough snow to worry about. I would probably add more ventilation because of the heat around here.

 

[Ridgerunner]

That should suit you pretty well. Your chickens should have access to the outside practically every day so as long as you make the outside available it is big enough. Yes, they will probably sleep in the rafters, they generally like the highest spot available. That nest does not show any partitions so it’s what we call a community nest box. One that size should easily handle 10 hens. It’s good for egg laying but not good for a broody hen hatching eggs.

With those openings at the top of the walls you should have good ventilation. More won’t hurt, especially down low in the summer time but probably is not necessary. You might cover those openings with hardware cloth for protection against predators. It doesn’t take much for an egg-eating snake to crawl in.

You might consider some kind of flashing at the top hinge on that nest to keep water from flowing in. Or maybe caulking. I can’t tell what that actually looks like. That’s why I prefer a front door hinged at the bottom and protected by some overhang so rainwater doesn’t flow in. Just something to think about.

 

[aart]

Eaves being open is great...but it has always baffled me why they don't have the sides of the 'cupola' on this design open too<scratcheshead>

Open eaves don't do much good if air drawn in them has nowhere to go.
Actually air might not be drawn into them if there's no ventilation higher.
Maybe the plywood is open under the ridge cap,
but I didn't see that scrolling thru the build instructions.

I would seriously consider doing both,
leaving roof sheathing generously open under ridge cap,
and making sides of cupola open,
both covered with 1/2" mesh of course.

Might also want to make lower coop walls taller and legs taller,
makes my back hurt just thinking of reaching in there to clean or grab a bird.