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There might be a time you need power. So having it closer is wise.
You can pretty much build any style coop you want. The real thing you need to consider is ventilation. Lots and lots. A couple of windows or one roof panel of clear poly will let in some light to see around.
As far as ventilation goes, always have lots. I live in south central KY, low winter temps, high summer temps and outrageous humidity. I'm going to put openable windows, put hardware cloth and 2x4 welded wire on two walls, then put plywood over those for winter. Figure your highest point in the coop and put some kind of ventilation there. For example, my plans call for a shed style roof. I'll be putting 6" x 3ft cuts in the plywood on the top of the high side, putting hinges on the cuts so I can close them if necessary. Doing the same thing on the bottom as the high side is the north face of the coop. The roosts will be on the south side of the coop, so air movement will not be over them as they roost. I'm also leaving room all around the top where the roof studs sit to just cover with wire for permanent ventilation. As the low side is the south, that side will heat first, the air will then flow up the inside of the roof and out of the high side.
Hope this makes sense. Lots of others have pics, but as my coop is in the foundation stage, I don't. But that's the plan.
Below zero F or C?Are the windows for ventilation left open in below zero temperatures?
Well Woods is out. Beautiful design and I am sure we can build it but after crunching numbers we are not willing to spend that much right now. I had it figured up to be around $500+ on the reasonable side to do what I would like if we built it and we still need to get the run set up. Maybe if my kids decide they want to do this long term and we continue with more chickens down the road I can build one for the flock.
That being said - any thoughts on a Hoop Coop? This would Not be a tractor, it would be permanent. Love the simplicity of design yet what looks to be good functionality. We'd splurge a little here and there but I am confident it would be 1/3 the cost of the Woods and could be built in an afternoon. I'm thinking 8 x 12 with the back 1/3 being the coop/roost/nesting area.