From my head to my yard- coop and run

[DobieLover]

I want their home to be the very best we can provide, and it's not just a home for them

If you want what's best for the birds then all others concerns are secondary. Birds have very different housing needs than humans.

A chicken coop gets extremely dusty. I wouldn't want children hanging out in there. They would do that outside. In a very large predator proof run with a solid roof. Chickens don't need insulation. They already have it.

What they need is HUGE amounts of ventilation. Most people think a little window is all the ventilation they need. That's ridiculously insufficient. You need to think on terms of sq ft, not sq inches. Try to shoot for 1 sq ft of permanently open ventilation per bird. The ventilation designs should be for maximum housing capacity of the structure, not what you currently have. Maximum capacity is 4 sq ft of floor space per bird. You can get away with 3.5 sq ft per bird if you have poop boards as they provide another level to hang out on during long winter months when they can't or won't go out.

 

[1stflockMama]

How will you sweep it out? Some people create two doors on the back end and open both, which basically makes the back wall disappear and you can easily add, subtract, or clean.

Consider nest boxes that hang out. This way you can get the eggs from the outside. Also is easier to clean out.

We were looking at the boxes on the outside! As for cleaning I'm still looking at all the different options, I was thinking of a sweep spot, like a door on the back

 

[1stflockMama]

If you guys say it's best to ditch the insulation I'll return it and use the money towards another window or something else!

Yup that's the best thing in my opinion.
While it can be time consuming mites can be limited by caulking every stud where it meets the siding and applying a good quality outdoor paint.
I did this to my 8x14 coop and don't regret it at all.

I bought the air purifying ecos paint for inside, we are looking at outside paint still, something a lot cheaper than the ecos

 

[DobieLover]

I bought the air purifying ecos paint for inside, we are looking at outside paint still, something a lot cheaper than the ecos

Is the paint you bought for inside the coop exterior grade? If not, it will peel. You need to use exterior grade paint inside and out.

 

[21hens-incharge]

We were looking at the boxes on the outside! As for cleaning I'm still looking at all the different options, I was thinking of a sweep spot, like a door on the back

Just so you are aware external nest boxes are difficult at best to seal against leaks. If you go this route look at a rear drop door instead of a top lift to aid in preventing leaks. Also look at where you will locate them. Rain or snow pouring down when you are gathering eggs is much worse when it's running off the roof.

My 8x14 coop takes 20 minutes to scoop and bag all bedding with a broom and big plastic shovel.
A sweep out door seems like more work since it still has to be moved away from the coop wall outside as well as needing to secure that door against weather and pests.

 

[KyCoop]

External nest boxes are fine but you need them to be on the east side of the coop. The east side will take less of the brunt from rain and snow. My coop roof over hangs the box lid (that is also weather proof) my nest boxes only get wet if there is a freak storm that comes from the east.
You will learn soooo much about weather, wind direction and which way is south. If your run will be facing west, how will you keep them cool in Summer? (Curtains) It's Winter and you been to wrap your North side Storm is coming is the south side door closed?
It's important information when planning out your coop and run when your girls are your babies.

 

[1stflockMama]

Is the paint you bought for inside the coop exterior grade? If not, it will peel. You need to use exterior grade paint inside and out.

 

[1stflockMama]

I can't say fot sure I've never heard of it before, and learned about it here. Someone else swears it

 

[1stflockMama]

I can't say fot sure I've never heard of it before, and learned about it here. Someone else swears it

It shows interior/exterior

 

[1stflockMama]

Return it. It's completely unnecessary in your climate. Not only that, it's a great place for rodents and mites to hide out and be inaccessible for eradication.

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