Forum and Chicken newbie seeking coop design feedback...

[Michael Propst]

There is definitely a lot to plan for and I'm sure upgrades, additions, and re-considerations will be made as I go. I've already gotten sucked into reading page after page of this forum- I can tell it's going to be helpful!

You said the key word "Plan". You are definitely off to a good start. And this is a great place to get answers, recommendations, and opinions. I have been spending months correcting what the previous owners of my girls did not plan for. When my first girl got sick I learned quickly that a chicken first aid kit is a vital essential to put together in the beginning so you are not running all over the place trying to find items when you have a girl at home that needs them. If you read my intro you can see what I have in mine or just search for chicken first aid kit here or on Google for some great recommendations of what to keep on hand. You might also call around and see if any of your local vet offices have a Avian Vet on staff. Have fun and enjoy these forums as you educate yourself.

 

[PetesChicks]

Welcome to BYC!

There has been a lot of good advice already. I definitely agree that bigger is better, the 4 sq. ft. per chicken is the minimum you want, otherwise you can have problems with them fighting. The more room they have inside on a rainy or snowy day, the less chance of someone getting picked on. You’ll also want room to move around when you are inside cleaning, 4x6 doesn’t give much room to turn around in when you have a shovel full of shavings. I’d say upgrade now to 6x8 or bigger. Also, that gives you room for chicken math. My coop is 10x16, and I have about 5x10 if that walled off for myself to keep the food and supplies. That gives the birds about 10x11 to roam around in, plus their run.

Ventilation is about the most important thing, especially in winter. A closed up coop will get a lot of moisture buildup, which isn’t good for their respiration and can cause frostbite. They can take the cold as long as it is dry air, and no drafts.

Poop boards are about the greatest invention since the coop! It will save a lot of time cleaning, because most of your poop will be on it instead of the floor. I have sand and PDZ on mine, and scoop it with a kitty litter scoop. The PDZ helps dehydrate the poop, and helps a lot with the smell.

Aart will be along soon, I am sure. You’ll get lots of good advice then on the different hights for nesting boxes, roosts, etc.

 

[Wise Woman]

Hello!
I just finished building my new coop and run. This website is a gold mine of information, however, over the years I have found that building a coop is a very personal thing. What one person likes another does not and what works for some may not for others and so forth.

My new coop is 6 x 6 and is a raised coop. I have always had large walk in coops, but now I wanted on that would be easy for me to clean without bending a lot. I added removable roosts so I can take them out to clean them and I have external nest boxes now so I don't have to schlep into the coop gather eggs. I also keep all food and water in the covered run so no more lugging water into the coop either.

The girls are only in the coop to sleep and lay eggs or hide from the wind. If necesary, I will cover the run walls with plastic for winter as well so they can be outside every day. I made 2 community nest boxes and a pop door instead of 5 individual nest boxes. I just painted them well so they are cleanable. I used a stall mat on the floor of the coop and pine shavings as I hate poop boards. I do not want to be a slave to poop. These are the things that worked for me. You have to decide what will work for you.

Here is a pic of my interior.

With the roosts and nest box curtains.

The whole back of the coop opens for easy clean out.

I love my new coop as it incorporates everything I wanted. I Hope these pictures help you plan your new coop.

 

[sweetater22]

Deep litter bedding in the coop and run, plus a electric fence wire at bottom and top for climbing coons, foxes and such will protect your flock and provide you with a lot of peace of mind. Not to mention the great compost you will have from the deep litter.