Help me write my "need" (a.k.a. "want") list for my coop....

[LukeandAli]

DH has promised to make me my dream coop (

Ahhhhhhhhhhh!!!!) now that he has deemed the coop we were going to remodel "unfit." So, in order to decide everything that my chicken palace will need, I'd love to hear what things you couldn't (or would prefer not to) live without.

So far, I'm thinking that I would like to have at least three rooms (#1 for entry/storage, #2 for broodies/chicks, #3 for general population....I may change my mind and as for a 4th room for only chicks....we'll see how generous DH is feeling once I have my list done). I also would like to have an overhang and "patio" area for feeders and waterers (right now, our chickens have the feed and watering containers inside with them because they are in a temporary coop in the corner of the "unfit" coop). I know I want nest boxes that I can access from the entry/storage area, too.

If this were your dream coop, what else would you put in the plans? I'm still fairly new to all of this (and this will be my first big coop), so, any advice you have will be gobbled up!

TIA!!!!

 

[RoosterAddict99]

My dad has already built the perfect coop for my chickens! One detail it has that I love, is window boxes filled with treats that grow for the chickens. Congratulation on your (soon to be) new coop!

 

[Queen Bee]

I have a list a mile long for my new coop...LOL

1. I must have a dropping board under the roost--it worked so well at my last coop. I will never be with out one
2, I want four sections--one large area for my laying flock (all large birds), one med size section for my bantams, One for food/medication/ hay/shavings/ supplies. One small very secure section for broodies/ hurt or chicks...
3. I also want my run sectioned off into five sections so I can rotate the chickens around -- 2 for the large flock, 2 for the bantams and 1 for the broodies/chicks/injured .. This way I can plant in one section while they are on the other..let it grow up a few weeks and move them onto it and replant the other run.. This will help to keep them happy and busy.. With all these predators , they will not be allowed out unless I am right there with them..
4.running water--- even if it's just to the run.
5. COMPLETELY enclosed run with chain link fencing and the bottom 3' covered in hardware cloth..As predator proof as possible.
6 . have it as large as I can afford... I will rather have more room in the run than have a much larger coop....

These are just a few of the important ones...

 

[KDK1]

An automatic door is a must on the wish list... and then you'll need an IP camera so you can keep an eye on the door to make it is functioning properly... and then...well, it never ends!