Finalizing our coop plans

[tenesamv]

Hello There,
After much deliberation I've settled on this basic coop design that's on the Purina Website.

I'm considering a couple modifications that I'd welcome some seasoned advice.
-Rather than cutting the sides at an angle I'd like to cut them strait and use hardware cloth at the top for ventilation.
-Does the roof really need so much overhang?
-Three nest boxes seems like overkill. Should I scale it down or just leave it be?
-I also plan on putting the next box on a different side and lower than pictured.
-Is there any benefit to this roosting poll set up vs running across the coop and mounted to the walls?
-ETA I'm also going to attach a small run and enclose the bottom.
Thanks so much from the soon to be chicken keeper!
Tenesa

 

[Judy]

I would do the things you are thinking, except I'd keep the overhang or even add to it, to prevent rain from blowing in.

Well, actualy I'd build a simple walk in shed style building and have inside nests. Many people start with these small coops and change to an 8x8 or so shed within a few years, using the small coop for isolation, a setting broody, brooding chicks, etc. If you are in a warm area like mine, you wuld be better off with a 3 sided design with hardware or fencing to extend the predator proof area, because they struggle to survive summer heat and require good breeze and shade. If you are far north, that will be awfully small for the days it is too blizzrdy for them to want to go out.

You can add your location to our postbit by going into your profile. This hel[ps a lot when answering a wide array of questions.

 

[Folly's place]

x2! The cute little off-ground coops are impractical, way too small for any but maybe three birds, and expensive to build for the space. Build bigger; on a foundation, earth or concrete floor, lots of ventilation, windows or a side open, hardware cloth. Mary

 

[tenesamv]

Thanks for you feedback. I'm in Marin County, CA and we have relatively mild weather.

I know this is pretty small, but I'm ok knowing I may upgrade later and have this is a spare as you've described. Though I keep waffling.