FREE chicken coop plan (nice one too) on the Purina Mills Website

[hondo58]

Are you all finding that 12" deep is big enough for the nest box? I am using a covered cat litter box inside now, but just picked up two hens yesterday so am now up to 4 (max for me). I'd like more room in there and almost have hubby convinced to build me an external nest box.

Just saw this and yes, the hens have plenty of room in the nest boxes..

 

[pikeman94]

Just saw this and yes, the hens have plenty of room in the nest boxes..

I second that. My hens are laying in the nesting boxes just fine.

 

[joe12pack]

here's a picture of the birds sleeping right now (night vision web cam)

at the top rung, the chickens face the back because I have a small 2 inch opening at the top of the rear doors. I guess they like to face the back to get some fresh air.

The chickens who roost on the lower 2 rungs face forward. So yeah, I imagine the ones below get pooped on.

http://screencast.com/t/Tav33rDdrwK2

 

[RonEstrada]

Perfect and low cost. I can keep my run at the same height. I will also add a removable board under the roosting hens for easy cleaning. Slide out and dump into the mulch pile. I can't wait to get started next spring!

 

[moncktj]

can i have a list of materials

 

[audioguy]

can i have a list of materials

All the plans, including a material list is available on the Purina website. I modified the crap out of their plans to fit my needs, including moving the roosts, adding a poop deck, lowering the nest boxes, making the entire side hinged to aid in cleaning, added a heat lamp, etc!

 

[moncktj]

ok thanks

 

[RonC]

I lowered my nest boxes down just above the floor.Also opened up around the top about 6 inches in the rear and tapered on the sides at top for more ventilation. There are some pics elsewhere in this post. Great coop for a few birds if they aren't confined during bad weather.

 

[lashlsufan]

Here are a few new pictures of the coop, and the addition of the chicks to their new home!


- Here is the run. One side is a pea gravel/ sand mix and the other side is rye grass. We know the grass will go quickly but will continuously add is plants, etc. for them to enjoy.


-Here are the various doors/ access points we have to the coop and run. The first picture is a door that allows access to under the coop which will house food and water. This door allows easy access to changing out the feeders and waterers.
- The second picture is the access to the actual coop. Eventually, we will add a chain to hold the door up when working on the inside. Since the door swings up, it will be easy to clean the coop.
- The third picture is the chickens access to the run. We will add a string to allow us to move the door up and down easily.


-The inside of the coop for now. The chicks are still only 3.5 weeks old, so we will be building a better roost to allow them to roost higher, etc. The bedding is currently lined with newspaper and pine shavings. The nest boxes are also lined in pine shavings.
- We are hoping to add in a window to the outside face to allow us to see inside without disturbing the chickens.


- There is a skylight built into the coop to allow for natural light. Roof is covered with corrugated sheets to help run the rain off. You can see the access to the nesting boxes off the back.


- We moved the chickens in yesterday. They seem to be enjoying the increase in space. Added the light in case they get cool; however, the weather here is still about 50F.


Please give us any comments, positive or negative, to help make our chickens happy!

 

[Ste]

Thanks! We are planning on a new coop and looking for designs. Might have to modify this one and it will work great