First Coop Build

[moniquem]

What Aart said x2....

 

[RoosterRules]

Do you actually measure CO2 ppm? Curious as to what levels you're seeing.

I don't measure anything in my coop. I don't think it's necessary. I simply stated that carbondioxide is one of the unwanted gases that vents remove, irrespective of concentrations.

 

[Deepinblue]

UPDATE: I stained the exterior with wood decking stain. I have found 2 nice round black drain pipe covers I am going to turn into vents for the top of the gable. I have also driven treated wood stakes over 1 foot into the ground around 4 to 5 inches a part to deter digging. I want to keep a dirt floor to be able to clean the coop out and use for compost on the regular.

 

[Deepinblue]

I'll apologize right now for being blunt, but honest-which I won't apologize for.
First let me say, I do not care for A-frames.
They look really cool, and can be easier/cheaper to build,
but are often sorely lacking in function for chickens.
The roof is also the walls, so no walls for windows/vents without risking rain infiltration.
Would like to see inside and the back of this coop...but will add some thoughts now while it's fresh.

Height is important and the higher you get in an aframe the less space is there.
Weather proofing ventilation is the worst part of this design, IMO.
Some thoughts on heights in coops:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/coop-stack-up-how-high-stuff-works-well.73427/
I'm guessing 16 feet of roosts in there, that need to be above nests and at least 12" away from walls, is gonna be tight for 23 birds, and keeper navigation. The 'but they only sleep and lay in there cause we're gonna free range' might work...until it doesn't.
Do you plan on having a run? Predation will happen, sooner or later, and having secure run can save birds and a lot of heartache. Depending on the weather there(snow load) you might want that run to have a solid roof.

....and on ventilation:
http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1048597/ventilated-but-free-of-drafts
Definitely need some vents and the only place to put them is in the 'gable' peaks.

Anti digging protection...takes more than a few inches into the ground and the proposed stakes driven in might stop large predators(coyote) but not the smaller ones(fox, coon, opossum, weasels, rodents).
Good examples of anti-dig apron installation:
http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1110498/wire-around-coop#post_17093528
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/new-coop-project.1169916/page-2#post-18481208

First of all no need to apologize for any opinion or way of thinking. I have no clue what I am doing. I do know that I want to free range the chickens and I will do everything I can to keep them safe including killing any animal after them. I do know that the wife will be wanting much more than chickens so as more animals are added to the yard, predators will become more common. I will build as many shelters around the yard that I can for the chickens to run too. As for the Roosting problem I plan on doing a fold down roost that could be compared to an attic ladder this will allow me to fold it up out of my way to clean to the coop and allow me to make plenty of space for roosting (if my math adds up). I have been out on my property at night quite a bit and after seeing how so many deer sleep in my yard my gut tells me that it is chosen by them because they feel it is fairly safe. Its about 10 acres almost completely fenced in (just a few places need to be fixed). I thank you for any input you have and am always up for advice from experience.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Not sure how stakes are supposed to stop diggers, if I used stakes 5" apart there'd be rat tunnels all around. An apron like what aart linked is the best way to do it and depending on the wire opening used can deter both smaller pests and larger predators. I have 1/2" hardware cloth around the run about 14" out, secured down with landscape staples.

You already know ventilation is an issue but frankly I can't figure out a way to add enough good ventilation that isn't simply opening up both walls, when there's only two actual walls to work with. Obviously you don't want to cut up the roof to do it.

 

[aart]

plenty of space for roosting (if my math adds up). I have been out on my property at night quite a bit and after seeing how so many deer sleep in my yard my gut tells me that it is chosen by them because they feel it is fairly safe.

Oh, I just apologize(sometimes) ahead of time because I'm very blunt, glad you don't mind-many surely do.
They need about 12" of roost length per bird, not sure what numbers or configuration you have in mind, but looking forward to seeing what you come up with.

Deer don't care about fox, raccoons, opossums, weasels, and rodents..and those critter don't care about deer....your 'gut' may be misplaced.

 

[Deepinblue]

Oh, I just apologize(smoothies) ahead of time because I'm very blunt, glad you don't mind-many surely do.
They need about 12" of roost length per bird, not sure what numbers or configuration you have in mind, but looking forward to seeing what you come up with.

Deer don't care about fox, raccoons, opossums, weasels, and rodents..and those critter don't care about deer....your 'gut' may be misplaced.

Can I place 1" welded wire as a floor inside the coop for anti dig purposes against smaller animals? If possible this would be the best option for me since the inside all has really nice walls to attach the wire soundly too.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Can I place 1" welded wire as a floor inside the coop for anti dig purposes against smaller animals? If possible this would be the best option for me since the inside all has really nice walls to attach the wire soundly too.

My only issue with doing it inside is I don't like having animals walking on wire, it can cut up their feet and cause sores. I know some people do do it, usually with a lot of bedding on top, but foot injuries like that are avoidable.

Also 1" is still big enough for rats and mice to get in and maybe mink/stouts? Not sure what you have around that area. 1/2" should keep out rats, might have to go as small as 1/4" if mice are an issue.

 

[aart]

My only issue with doing it inside is I don't like having animals walking on wire, it can cut up their feet and cause sores. I know some people do do it, usually with a lot of bedding on top, but foot injuries like that are avoidable.

Also 1" is still big enough for rats and mice to get in and maybe mink/stouts? Not sure what you have around that area. 1/2" should keep out rats, might have to go as small as 1/4" if mice are an issue.

This^^^

 

[DoeAndGander]

A lot has gone on since my last post, but for what it’s worth, this is the type of vent holes I was thinking. Or you could simply cut a triangle in sheeting, hardware cloth opening on inside and attach hinges and a lock to cutout piece. Open/close when needed.