Going to build a 4x8 coop....but can't decide!

[grullablue]

I keep going back and forth! Trying to weigh the pros and cons.... I just can't decide if we should go with more interior room and build it sitting on the ground, or build it raised up. I like the idea of being able to walk in, but at the same time, it would be small enough I could reach in with ease. I've been going through old posts as well, and looking at pictures, but Im still going back and forth. I would love some input! We will have 6 hens in it, with a run, not sure on size yet, we're in the planning stages with that as well.

Also, photos of 4x8 coops would be welcomed! Due to zoning issues, we have to stick with 32 square feet, so we can't go bigger. But we're adjusting our hen numbers to accomodate the size coop we need to go with, for their comfort. I have a home for the extras with my neighbors.

Thanks for any opinions!
Angie

 

[FutureChickenMan]

your coop cant be bigger than 4x8?...

How about two coops, 4x8. One on each end with the run between them. LOL! If you're sure you're only going to have 6 hens (haha) then I'd build a raised one so you don't have to walk in the poo. The con's of a raised coop is no where to store extra chicken stuff.

 

[Wildsky]

My coop is bigger, but I can walk into it, clean it do what is needed and I love that.

I will ALWAYS suggest a coop you can WALK into..... your chickens will have more room, you can put you nest boxes and roosts higher and they'll have the entire floor area to use, for their food water etc....

GOod Luck!

 

[FutureChickenMan]

Right.. Mine is a 10x16 walk in.. I split it up in to breeding pens, rabbit hutches, etc and there's still plenty of room. It's still a work in progress though.

 

[rhetoric]

Man, can I relate. "Yea, though I walk through the valley of indecision." I have spent this whole blasted process making one decision, going to Home Depot, changing my mind, coming home empty handed, thinking some more, making a decision, going to Home Depot, changing my mind... But it's coming along anyway. Lots of trade-offs and I'm guessing you will find lots of people w/ lots of different designs and most of those people are happy... mostly.

 

[grullablue]

Thanks for the replies! I'm already considering building a second one down the road....lol....which is why I want to make SURE I do it right the first time....

Our original plan was going to incorporate our rabbit hutches too....but we had to scrap that idea.

The 4x8 will do for now! I have seen a lot of people have a size similar to this....so maybe they can share their storage ideas too! Otherwise...I can store feed in the garage and just carry pails back and forth as I need to fill the feeder(s).

Thanks for the input so far! I was all ready to go with a raised one...but then I kept seeing photos of a coop someone on here built (dont remember who) and I loved it...it was actually a 6x8 I believe, they had a pic of it being pulled with their lawnmower. A door and two little windows. I keep thinking of that one...and then thinking I should go with a walk in! I love that one!

Angie

 

[joebryant]

Quote:
FutureChickenMan, you just described exactly what I'm building NOW; might even finish someday IF IT EVER STOPS RAINING. Mine will be two sections, each with six insulated modules that can be disassemble easily 4x8 x 8' tall. If I want later, I can put the two sections together to make one coop that will be 8x8x8.

The two sections will be under my garages four-foot eaves, one on the east side that has lots of trees for shade and the other on the south side of the garage where it's sunny all day. There will be a 20- x 4-foot run between them.

 

[Wildsky]

My coop is 20 x 7 or so, and I store my chickens food in the garage.... I carry buckets of food out to fill the feeder once a week - works for me. I don't want to store it in the coop and have them pooping on the lid of whatever container I choose.....

 

[hensdeliverthegoods]

We got two 4' X 8' playhouse kits from Lowes, and put them together. Then we attached three dog kennel panels with chicken wire attached to the bottom three feet of it for the run. Here's some pics of it under construction - and we did raise it about a foot off the ground.

Hope this gives you ideas!

 

[spatcher]

After much procrastination, I built a 4x4x8 horizontal raised about 2' - The 2' underneath gives me 32 sq ft more run than I would have had. The rear 4x8 panel is hinged at the bottom and lays down so I can clean the deep litter out when required. Also, 18" at the top of the rear panel is hinged as well so I can spread bedding, DE or whatever when needed. 3 nests are mounted to the rear panel on the inside with an outside door so the eggs can be collected from outside the coop at the rear. The roof is a separate 4x8 sheet that is raised about 6" in the front. This gives me a sloped roof and the top 4x8 panel has like a 12" x 24" skylight covered with 1/2 in wire with an outside door over it that can be closed in the winter at night. I have 2 side windows, one on each of the 4x4 panels on the ends. These too have 1/2 inch wire with closable doors, one high and one low on each side. Diffilcult to describe without pics i know but it works for me and my 7 hens and roo!