Help! Input needed on interior layout for my coop!

[Tonia K]

This is my first go at chickens and I am determined to do it as right the first time as I can so I don't have to modify it in the future. I have 6 layers currently 4 weeks old and quickly outgrowing the brooder! I am in need of input/ suggestions on how to lay out the interior. I have attached a picture to show the basic design. It is a 8 x 8 Gambrel roof style, which will soon be tar papered and shingled, a window 14 x 21 will be in the rear. Interior paint is a heavy duty, high gloss for easy cleaning.The human door will be in the front. Everything in the front that is currently "open" will be covered in wire. The horizontal 2x4's were where I was planning on putting the "floor" and 2 roosts above the "floor" staggered. Because I live in the Upper Midwest and it can be as cold as -30 in the winter, we are insulating the coop, and are going to use a piece of plywood to create a 4th "wall" (cutting a 45 degree angle and attaching with hinges and using a hook and eye to keep closed or under the floor to keep open, I hope that makes sense) with a hole in it and a ladder to reach the bottom of the run for cold weather. I am assuming it would be best to have the food and water "inside" aka up on their "floor"? If its too cold I assume #1 they won't go down if its to cold and #2 the water would be frozen. I want to use PVC pipe for the food with an elbow on the end to minimize spillage and PVC with nipple feeders for the water to keep it clean and not have to worry about spillage and bug larva. Perhaps I am over thinking this but I would appreciate any information, input and suggestions you much more experienced chicken raisers have.Thanks in advance!!

 

[redsix]

The chickens will move around even if it is cold. You will have to replace the frozen water each day with fresh water. I think you need to add one of those spinning roof turbine vents or something to give you more ventilation. It looks as if a lot of heat is going to collect in the top. I posted a floor plan of the 8 ft. by 8 ft. house I am building. You should be able to find my post.

 

[annette964]

Well I am not sure if this is what you were asking for but... My Coop is 8ft by 16 ft. This is my first year with it so I can't offer any winter type advise. The Roost are just wooden trellis's from Lowes and the nest boxes are bought at Orchelens.

 

[Tonia K]

Thanks Annette964, I guess I was just wondering if what I was purposing as a layout was feasible.But as you mentioned this is a new adventure for you as well. I appreciate your feedback though. Good luck with yours!

 

[Tonia K]

Thanks redsix for your response. Yes, I did neglect to mention that there will be a vent in the upper portion in the back wall, as well as a nesting box accessible form the back as well. If I put the PVC with the nipples on the inside portion of the coop with the "winter door" on it won't get to freezing in there with the insulation and the reflective bubble insulation. I was more curious if they layout I have in my head is the most efficient and makes the most sense or not.Thanks for your response.