Feedback on First-Timer's Coop Draft Please

[Mrs Ugh]

I have a 5 ft x 5 ft Rubbermaid shed that I hope to convert into our first coop. Of course, I did not get the sage advice I have since found here, and the 2 months I thought I had while brooding the chicks has rapidly dwindled to less than 1 month! I think I have a pretty good draft design, but I would love all of the feedback I can get so I don't waste any more time building than necessary. I need to fit my flock of 10 hens inside! I know space will be tight, but I live in Central Virginia and hope to build a nice run that they can use during the day - I also have a fenced yard (5' chain link). I am planning a 2 rung ladder-style roost (5' wide 2 ' tall) that hooks to the wall like a bunk bed ladder. This will be over a poop tray about 3' above the ground. I hope to find a bookcase/table to put the tray on and put the nest boxes in it. I want to keep them about 8" above the ground (plastic shed floor with bedding), so I don't need another ramp. I have some specific questions and welcome any other advice! 1) How do I attach the ramp to the poop tray? 2) How steep can the ramp be? 3) Am I right to think that the main threat in my fenced yard will come from hawks (and my dogs )? 4) How deep should the PDZ/sand mixture be and how big of a lip to I need to contain it? Will a 1x2" work? 5) Is an 8" jump into a nest box okay? 6) I am totally clueless about automatic doors! I guess the chickens just know when to go in at night??? I thought I would have to corral them? Are they worth it? Which is the best? 7) Any expansion advice?

 

[3riverschick]

What are the outside dimensions of this shed in feet and inches ? yes, 8 inch jump to the nest box will be just fine.
if you have large fowl, they probably shouldn't be jumping more than 18 in to the floor from the roost because you don't want them to hurt their feet.
Best,
Karen

 

[Smuvers Farm]

More ventilation, if you can do it. I believe you can get away with 1 less nesting box (I have 13 pullets, 6 nesting boxes and the frustrating snots use literally the same 2 nests!!! grrrr).

Automatic doors are very expensive and aren't necessary if you can let them out in the morning and put close them up at night. Both our coops are hooked directly into the chicken run, so we've never closed their coop doors. They come out and go in on their own.

 

[cavemanrich]

Use a 2 x 4 on edge and screw plywood to bottom. . This way you will have 3 1/2 inch to contain for sand and PDZ mix. Build your nest boxes 8 inches raised, and 16 inches high. Fasten roost stand onto tops of nest boxes. You will be at 24 inches. There is no need to go higher. Your ramp will also be easier to climb since it goes up 2 feet rather than 3. Fasten ramp to 2 x 4 which should be strong enough. Keep about 2 inches of sand a PDZ mix. Scoop out gumdrops with a kitty litter scoop. I have an automatic Ador1 pop door. It opens in the morning and closes when it gets dark. Chickens are up in their roost well before closing time.

In my opinion it is well worth having it. $218 delivered. It is battery operated so no need for house current in coop. (1) 6volt lantern battery should last all year.

As to predators, yes hawks and your dogs can be a problem. My dogs do not bother my chickens.

If you have tarps or netting over your run area, you should be safe from hawks.
Raccoons, if they are present in your area, can be your biggest problem. They are nocturnal, so make sure that access to inside coop is secure appropriately.
WISHING YOU BEST..... and

 

[Mrs Ugh]

What are the outside dimensions of this shed in feet and inches ? yes, 8 inch jump to the nest box will be just fine.
if you have large fowl, they probably shouldn't be jumping more than 18 in to the floor from the roost because you don't want them to hurt their feet.
Best,
Karen

I had my son measure and he didn't do a good job. All I know is that it is about 5'x5' on the inside! The walls are pretty thin, so I am adding about 4" all around until I can pick it up and measure it myself! My daughter picked Isa Browns and Australorpes... TSC have us a Leghorn instead, so we bought some more of those too!

 

[aart]

Old drafter having angina over the mixed units 2mm = 1"?!?!
GASP!
The sketch kinda looks proportional if nests are 12x12" in a 5x5' coop.
<scratchinghead>
Top roost needs to be 12" from wall, other roosts 12" apart.

Will there be a poop board under roosts/on top of nests?

 

[Mrs Ugh]

Old drafter having angina over the mixed units 2mm = 1"?!?!
GASP!
The sketch kinda looks proportional if nests are 12x12" in a 5x5' coop.
<scratchinghead>
Top roost needs to be 12" from wall, other roosts 12" apart.

Will there be a poop board under roosts/on top of nests?

I agree with the units, but it was easier on the computer that way! Yes, I am building a poop tray to fill with PDZ and sand. Is the 12" vertical, or on the diagonal?

 

[aart]

I agree with the units, but it was easier on the computer that way! Yes, I am building a poop tray to fill with PDZ and sand. Is the 12" vertical, or on the diagonal?

What program are you using for your sketch?
I would think you could key in any unit you want.
Even if it has automatic dimensioning, you should be able to over ride it.

I believe on a stair step type of roost rack it's 12" in both directions

 

[Mrs Ugh]

I used Corel Draw. I'm sure there is a way to set the dimension conversion, but I was too lazy to look! Because of the work I usually do, I am more comfortable with metric for small measurements, but inches for larger. It hurts my head too!

 

[aart]

I used Corel Draw. I'm sure there is a way to set the dimension conversion, but I was too lazy to look! Because of the work I usually do, I am more comfortable with metric for small measurements, but inches for larger. It hurts my head too!

Ah..am somewhat familiar with Corel, but just for illustrations, not any true drafting.
Any auto dimensioning is moot if you are not drawing full size and shape to begin with, can't remember if you can even do that in Corel draw.

48mm is only about 2".....so....the numbers on your sketch are for naught.