First coop

[Rooapalooza]

Are you wanting to be able to move your coop around?

 

[aart]

I'm looking to be able to add on to the coop and run when needed.

Better to build larger to begin with.

 

[Jenthehen127]

My sister is like that, but for her it goes away. Whenever she first comes to visit my dog and I, her face will balloon up and her throat hurts. After a few hours it goes away and then she's fine. It's really weird.

Same for me! It is weird.

 

[Jenthehen127]

Just now building a new coop and after 2 previous coops my most wanted elements in the design of the new coop are: poop boards, slanted roof nesting boxes, and I'm pumped about the concrete floor going in (the coop is an already existing shed on dirt right now).

After the first coop (not a walk-in) a walk-in coop is essential IMO! Also always like to add how KEY good ventilation is!

Yes! Thank you! I agree, ventilation, walk in! No concrete here right now.

 

[Jenthehen127]

Are you wanting to be able to move your coop around?

Mmm....that would be nice, but I'm more worried about. Chipmunk digging into run, etc. So probably not. I will maybe add a second yard so I can move the girls around as needed.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I definitely have to say a walk-in is the way to go. I spent 2 years bending down and crouching to take care of the chickens, and that was NOT fun.

If you really are set on starting out small and then scaling up if you decide to grow the flock (which is fine, that's what I planned for), well, the old coop could still function as a isolation unit, brooder, etc. so it's not necessarily a waste. But it is much more difficult to build small and then try and expand a small unit, better to just build something new at that point.

 

[Jenthehen127]

I definitely have to say a walk-in is the way to go. I spent 2 years bending down and crouching to take care of the chickens, and that was NOT fun.

If you really are set on starting out small and then scaling up if you decide to grow the flock (which is fine, that's what I planned for), well, the old coop could still function as a isolation unit, brooder, etc. so it's not necessarily a waste. But it is much more difficult to build small and then try and expand a small unit, better to just build something new at that point.

Thank you! I agree. I'm not sure we can afford to build what we want right now. Neither of us are carpenteree! Lol! But looking into different options!

 

[Folly's place]

I think that the best coop in many climates is the Woods coop, And I don't have one either.
If you can build one, or have it built, it's wonderful!
Next best is a shed type design, with lots of ventilation, and a roofed run, especially in snow country. For non-builders like myself, look at the sheds at the big box stores, or have someone build one for you.
We had an old one here, fixed it up, and over years, added to it, so now it's about 14' x 24', roofed, on an old building foundation, and works great.
Also, if you do decide to not have chickens, a garden shed is an asset anyway.
Mary

 

[imnukensc]

Most folks here will tell you a walk in is the way to go. If you have a large amount of chickens, I would agree. But, I only have 5. I could do 6, and probably even 8 in my climate since I free range daily, but we already give away more eggs than we use.
As I stated earlier, my coop is 5x5. It works well and is easy to clean. A walk in is not a necessity, IMO

 

[aart]

A walk in is not a necessity, IMO

Maybe not, unless you're old and/or creaky and far from limber anymore or live in a place where feet of snow fall and frigid winds blow make tending the birds much more pleasant if you can walk into the coop.

But we don't know where @Jenthehen127 lives.
Hey Jen (I'dname a hen Jen if it wasn't my daughters name)....
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!