Help with modifying coop design

[orion141]

Hi Guys,

I have decided after some thought that I will try to build my own coop (was previously considering purchasing one, but I think I could build something with clear steps). I was thinking of trying to build the following coop:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/country-acres

I would like between 3-4 hens at the most. The coop itself is 4x4 in this design so I think it would be fine in terms of the 4 sq ft/hen rule, however the run space is fairly small (6x4'). Do you all think that extending the design lengthwise by another couple of feet would be important? I will likely not be letting my hens free range very often so they will spend most of their time in the run and coop.

Do you all think the ventilation adequate in this design as well?

I live in southern connecticut.

Thanks in advance for your help!!

 

[cavemanrich]

The coop is a great one considering your number of chickens you want to keep. The ventilations is also adequate considering small amount of hens. If it is possible, make the run as large as feasible to your back yard layout. Then get a SOFT HEART and let them free range more often

WISHING YOU BEST AND

 

[Bine]

Hmm... I have a big not insulated coop and if I ever have the money to rebuild or renew the coop, I would do at least a roof insulation.
For a small coop you can use residual materials .... syrofoam and corrugated card board from packing materials to minimize the additional costs.
My birds free range too but a big roofed run is a big plus in fall/winter. My birds hate to get wet and when we have snow the stay under the roof.
So my suggestion would be to put some insulation in and build a bigger/longer run for the chickens.

 

[orion141]

Thanks! I am going to extend the run and the coop to make the coop 5x4' and the run 4x10'. I was thinking about adding a second window where the plan originally called for a 3 inch vent hole. Any other thoughts as to ways to add additional ventilation?

Also do you all recommend a specific type of wood for the plywood (pine vs fir)?


Thanks!

 

[Percheron chick]

5' is an odd length as plywood comes in 4x8 sheets.

 

[yellowchicks]

Hi Guys,

I have decided after some thought that I will try to build my own coop (was previously considering purchasing one, but I think I could build something with clear steps). I was thinking of trying to build the following coop:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/country-acres

I would like between 3-4 hens at the most. The coop itself is 4x4 in this design so I think it would be fine in terms of the 4 sq ft/hen rule, however the run space is fairly small (6x4'). Do you all think that extending the design lengthwise by another couple of feet would be important? I will likely not be letting my hens free range very often so they will spend most of their time in the run and coop.

Do you all think the ventilation adequate in this design as well?

I live in southern connecticut.

Thanks in advance for your help!!

Country Aces is a cute little coop, looks easy enough to build. I would suggest some modifications to fit your needs:

1. Increase the coop/run footprint to 10' x 4' to provide 10 sf/chicken run space (including the area beneath the coop).

2. There are 3 triangle shape panels in this 4' x 4' coop design. Keep the interior roof triangle portion (which is one of the coop wall) to just frame only and line it with hardware cloth instead of a solid wood panel. Since that side of the coop wall is under the run roof, no rain, snow or wind will get in. A larger opening can greatly increase ventilation inside the coop.

3. Extend the roof overhang all around by at least 6" to 12". This will prevent rain water from dripping into the windows or the nest box. Also help shield the wind in the winter. There is no need for insulation or heating.

4. If you don't feel like digging, nail a layer of 1/2" hardware cloths on the bottom of the frame to deter predator from digging under. Then just need to add pine shavings in the run to do deep litter method. This way, if you ever need to move the coop, the whole thing can move as one piece.

5. Visit your local Habitat for Humanity job site to see if there are any left over construction materials that you can salvage, but don't cheap out on installing the 1/2 hardware cloth in all openings to make this coop/run predator proof and worry free.