First coop - design questions!

[April Barta]

Hey all!! I’m April and new to the chicken world! We’re geting our first chicks this week and finishing up some details on the coop. It’s an 8x8 walk in style. First, I’ll give you a brief description and then post questions with pictures! North wall: plain wall. East wall: will be nest boxes (blocked off hole for now). South wall: window and man door. West wall: pop door for chickens.

Questions:
1. Should we paint the inside of the coop? We will put linoleum down on the floor.
2. Tiered (ladder) roosts or all same level?
3. Where would you put roosts?
4. Where would you put more ventilation? We were planning on two more vents up by the peaks and some lower holes.

Thanks in advance for all your help!

 

[IdyllwildAcres]

I would add more ventilation, like the top of the gable ends, all hardware cloth.



Gary

 

[April Barta]

Yes! That’s what we were thinking. In the gable ends. Thank you for confirming!

 

[IdyllwildAcres]

Yes! That’s what we were thinking. In the gable ends. Thank you for confirming!

Not in the gable ends. the gable ends, most if not all of it open at least on one side. More is better, go big or go home!

Gary

 

[April Barta]

There are bird blocks in every rafter on both sides. Is that what you’re taking about? You can see it in the interior photo. The gutters are blocking the view from the outside.

 

[IdyllwildAcres]

No. The gable ends. Open them up.
Everything above the white trim. More is better

Gary

 

[nminusyplusm]

I would definitely paint that floor because it's OSB and that stuff soaks up moisture and expands like a sponge.

 

[Ruralhideaway]

Great coop, I'm sure your birds will be happy!

If you decide to paint I highly recommend getting a power painter from Harbor freight. I used a coupon code for signing up for texts and spent under 20 bucks for this thing. I painted every surface plus a second coat on surfaces that will get soiled in an hour with this thing. If it never works again I'll still be happy. I could barely buy rollers, trim brush and tray for that price.

https://m.harborfreight.com/5-gph-e...n-62267.html?utm_referrer=direct/not provided

Oh, wear totally disposable clothes if you use one of these. Little messy but darn it was over fast!

 

[April Barta]

Thank you!!! I think I’m understanding what you’re saying Idyllwildacres. The red portion above the white trim on the sides. Got it!

Paint - yes sounds like the answer. Thank you for the link. I was planning on rolling.

 

[venymae]

For sure paint the interior, saves you wood and makes it easier to clean. Yes, add more ventilation, just make sure it's not going to draft your birds. I'd keep it all higher.