At first I planned to build something very simple and utilitarian - but then I got to thinking - why not make it a little more interesting.
The footprint is 3' deep by 5' wide. The bottom run is 2' tall - the back of the coop is 2' sloping to 3' at the front. Nest boxes will be added to the left side of the coop, as well as an extended run to either side of the bottom area. The right side will be glazed with clear acrylic panels and an additional window will likely be added to the front. Below the windows is a hinged ramp that can be closed at night, and opened for the chickens each morning. The chickens will have 12 sq ft in the upper coop (15 sq if you count the closed ramp) and 15 s ft in the lower run - I plan to add another run area our either side, as well as let them free range in the morning/evening.
The front and side slatted wood areas can have wood panels inserted behind them to reduce ventilation in winter, and left open on hot summer days (yes it can get hot in the city in Seattle)
Still finishing up the roof, and staining/painting of all the wood. The plans are an original, plywood was recycled from some old crates and local construction cut-offs. I used treated lumber for the base to protect against rot, and all wood will be stained, or painted black with deck paint.
More photos of the project can be found in my flickr Coop Building collection.
The footprint is 3' deep by 5' wide. The bottom run is 2' tall - the back of the coop is 2' sloping to 3' at the front. Nest boxes will be added to the left side of the coop, as well as an extended run to either side of the bottom area. The right side will be glazed with clear acrylic panels and an additional window will likely be added to the front. Below the windows is a hinged ramp that can be closed at night, and opened for the chickens each morning. The chickens will have 12 sq ft in the upper coop (15 sq if you count the closed ramp) and 15 s ft in the lower run - I plan to add another run area our either side, as well as let them free range in the morning/evening.
The front and side slatted wood areas can have wood panels inserted behind them to reduce ventilation in winter, and left open on hot summer days (yes it can get hot in the city in Seattle)
Still finishing up the roof, and staining/painting of all the wood. The plans are an original, plywood was recycled from some old crates and local construction cut-offs. I used treated lumber for the base to protect against rot, and all wood will be stained, or painted black with deck paint.
More photos of the project can be found in my flickr Coop Building collection.
