Help with small coop plans - 2-3 chickens

[LoveFeathers]

I'm still in the research stages, but I'm trying to get an idea of the size (and maybe some plans) needed for a coop and run made for 2-3 chickens. They will be allowed free range of the yard for much of the day, but this may not be possible every single day (and certainly not in the winter) as I live in Canada. Any suggestions? Is it hard to build a small coop? I'm not super handy but I can do anything I set my mind to - I would just rather not pull my hair out in the process. What would be the average cost for a small coop, assuming I have little access to free or cheap materials? I was looking into buying one but $500 is a bit steep for a small coop when I'm sure it would cost half or less to build it myself.

Can the run be built simply using chicken wire and burying it for extra security?

 

[teach1rusl]

I would look at the small coops section (find "coop designs" along the top). For just 2-3 birds, a little 4x4 housing would work, so one of the all inclusive designs would be great for you, that way the run is roofed too (since you guys have ample snow and long winters). This is the bantam coop I built last fall/this spring (I'm female, with very basic carpentry skills). I loosely based it off of a few different coops in the small coops section. The space beneath the housing would be great for your winters too...

ETA: I would never recommend chicken wire for predator protection myself - find some kind of welded wire if you can.

 

[emys]

Chicken wire isn't strong enough to keep out a hungry raccoon.

If you are in town with a fenced yard and build a secure coop and close the coop door every evening you could get away with chicken wire for day time use only. Hardware cloth is better, or hardware cloth on bottom, and welded wire on top.

 

[chickenbythesea]

we're in nova scotia and we converted the kids play house... maybe you can find one for free or small charge on kijiji, with our conversion and some supplies we put about 200 bucks into it... it can be done on the cheap but make sure it's predator proof... don't skimp there.

 

[camchick]

teach1rusl... So you supposedly have very basic carpentry skills!!! What an awesome looking design! You should be proud of your work.

On the note of designs/cost, for the roost you could just adapt a cheap (or free) rabbit hutch and then build a run. But listen to the other guys, don't skimp on the wire. There would be nothing more heartbreaking than going to see you little feathered ones and finding they are no longer with you...

 

[spotstealer]

Quote:
This is really nice, and would be comfy for two-three birds (you may want to plan for more, you know- chicken math!). I would suggest to situate the back (lower) part of the house into the prevailing winter winds. This would provide ventilation without drafts, and help prevent snow from being driven into the coop. Be sure to use a 2X4 board laid flat for thier roost. It forces them to roost flat footed, keeping their toes from getting frost bitten.

 

[LoveFeathers]

Thanks everyone! I will save this post as it turns out chickens are currently illegal in my city...I'll just hold off until I can show them how beneficial it would be! In the meantime I guess I'll be working on a quail enclosure.

That coop looks GREAT - I find it hard to believe you call that basic skills

Very good points about the sheltering for winter, and situating it a certain way. Maybe I can get some practice with a quail house and be a bit more handy when it comes to building a chicken coop!