Designing a new coop and run for three additional hens

[Cfholcomb]

We have three chickens who have been living in the saddest chicken coop for way too long. We are hoping to add three more chickens. I am a timber farmer and built this overly complicated chicken coop during the pandemic. My wife has done some more research and it’s looking like the coop/nesting box may be too small. It is 4’x2’ and 30” tall. I am thinking about building another gable off the side where the current nesting box is located. Does anyone have some advice on how little space I can get away with and how tall it should be. At this point I wouldn’t want to go any higher than 5’ and the 4’ wide dimension is already locked into place. Thanks for the advice

 

[rosemarythyme]

Just to make sure we're talking about the same thing, in the photo, is the box to the side the nest box (4x2) and the rest of the building is the coop? Or is the box supposed to be the coop and the taller structure the run?

Do the chickens have full free range access during the day? How big is the coop itself not including the nests? How many chickens do you have now?

 

[Cfholcomb]

Just to make sure we're talking about the same thing, in the photo, is the box to the side the nest box (4x2) and the rest of the building is the coop? Or is the box supposed to be the coop and the taller structure the run?

Do the chickens have full free range access during the day? How big is the coop itself not including the nests? How many chickens do you have now?

The larger frame is the run and the small shed is the coop/nesting box. We have three chickens already and I would like to get three more. The run is 6x6 and the coop is 4x2

 

[rosemarythyme]

Yeah that's not going to work out well. For 6 chickens just in coop space alone you should have around 24 sq ft of space. Run space should be a minimum of 60 sq ft. Your current run space is only sufficient for 3 chickens and coop sufficient for 2.

You wouldn't happen to have bantams would you? Still definitely wouldn't have room for 3 more but the current space should be ok for 3 bantams.

Other thing to consider is integration eats up even more room so even with minimums quoted above you'd be facing a pretty difficult integration.

 

[moniquem]

You are correct in stating your chickens have been living the sad life but you have acknowldeged that and can now move onto bigger and better things.

I would turn that "run" into the coop, you'll have to add some kind of walls to it with ventilation. A 6x6 coop will be big enough for 6 chickens. By the way, great build!

I would remove your "coop/nest box" portion and build a bigger/better run attached to your new 6X6 coop.

Keep in mind everything wants to eat chicken so predator proof, predator proof.

Use the search engine on this site for additional information and good luck. Can't wait to see what you come up with!

 

[Cfholcomb]

Wow thanks for all of the great advice everyone. New plan: close off walls and add floor to the 6x6 structure and add on a 6x10 run using the same timberframing techniques. I really appreciate the help.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Wow thanks for all of the great advice everyone. New plan: close off walls and add floor to the 6x6 structure and add on a 6x10 run using the same timberframing techniques. I really appreciate the help.

If you have space/budget to go bigger on the run, I would do so. Otherwise the construction on the current structure looks nice. Depending on your climate you may not need to close up most/all the walls on the 6x6 structure either - leave some of it open (covered with wire mesh of course) for light and ventilation.

The 2x4 unit can be used to serve as a communal nest box.

 

[moniquem]

I can't wait to see what you come up with! And that run is going to be a really cute coop!

 

[aart]

Nice framing.
What are the dimensions of the framing members?

Oh, and....Welcome to BYC! @Cfholcomb
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!

 

[Cfholcomb]

If you have space/budget to go bigger on the run, I would do so. Otherwise the construction on the current structure looks nice. Depending on your climate you may not need to close up most/all the walls on the 6x6 structure either - leave some of it open (covered with wire mesh of course) for light and ventilation.

The 2x4 unit can be used to serve as a communal nest box.

do you think the new rum needs a roof or could it just be chicken wire? I’m also considering construction sand for the run which will be elevated above the ground level to prevent flooding.