First Time Chicken Coop and Run Build

[gsim]

Since you are adamant that you will only need a small coop forever, then plan it so that everything inside can be reached easily. Could be that a hinged lid would do the trick for you that way. A counterweight may be just the ticket so that it is not too heavy to lift up. Do a bumpout for nest box to max out interior space. Build roof overhang to protect at least the hinge portion of the nest box lid from rain, or even better do enough overhang to protect yourself as well while you gather eggs. Be mindful of where the roof runoff is dumped so as not to cause mucky run or foundation troubles if close to another building. A sheet metal poop plank is a good thing to have, but linoleum over OSB or plywood is good too. Believe it or not, poop board should be 24" wide and run the length of the roost. Removable feature might be worth the effort too. Must be scraped daily.

I use 8" drywall finishing knife. Pay close attention to ventilation and predator security.

Take short puffs, long breaks, work safely, and have fun!

 

[bigoakhunter]

If your coop is small enough to reach in and access most of it then height is not an issue. If it is NOT small, IMHO you should have it tall enough to stand up in. My first coop is not quite tall enough and I now realize that you do get in your coop more than you think.

I have been in recently to chagne from summmer waterer to heated dogs dish, to unboard the nest boxes, to clean up a small area that I needed to add new pine shavings to where i had spilled some water and etc, etc, etc. Bending over and working in coop or hitting head is not fun.

Also I agree with your thought on the overhang. I have a woodshed without much over hang, that does not work as well as my coop which has good overhanging roof.

Have fun with your chickens!