Hey all, i'm new and looking to start first with building a coop.

[AllenK RGV]

Welcome threads are always allowed to go wherever they lead you did just right! Also that "Wood's Coop" has been getting a lot of traffic recently. I can see how it could be modified to my location if it was placed in a north facing direction to protect it from too much sunlight and any open area left open to air with hardware cloth. I suspect northerners see value in the design for reasons other than my own.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Thanks for the welcome everyone.

Overwhelmed! So much information to start getting into, but feel fortunate to have a place to start asking away. THANKS!

Since I'm interested in building a coop first, am I naive that I might find plans for different sizes of the woods style coop that was suggested?

Have to ask but are there materials to stay away from in a build? Wouldn't want to be introducing something that could affect the birds health (wood types, etc.)

Also, do people raise the woods coops or keep them on the ground?

There are several discussions about alternate dimensions and downsizing to obtain the same perspective ratio in the following thread. There is also discussion about materials.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...oop-design-amish-built.1211813/#post-19293379
Staying away from aromatic woods like eastern red cedar shouldn't be difficult to do. Just go with standard pine. Don't use any pressure treated lumber in places it will come into contact with the chickens. I use treated lumber for the legs and sometimes corner posts.
I have used treated plywood on the roof and floor but I cover my floors with sheets of HDPE.
I think the building could be elevated. All of my buildings except the one on a concrete slab are high enough for the chickens to hang out underneath to escape heat in summer or to find a dry space to dust bathe in winter.
The downside to an elevated coop in extreme cold is cold coming up through the floor. That can be compensated for by adding more shavings for bedding as insulation.
If you're in southern Ontario, your winters may not be significantly harsher than here. If you are in the north, that would be a different story altogether.
For discussions on breeds, as was mentioned go for breeds adaptable to your climate.
There are lots of cold hardy breeds: Canada's own Chantecler, Buckeye, Wyandotte, Australorps, Jersey Giants, Orpingtons, Sussex, Orloffs and others. As was previously mentioned about barred rocks and Plymouths being cold hardy, they are but they are both the same breed. Plymouth Rocks are the breed, barred, partridge, white, blue, Columbian, silver, and several others are all color variations of Plymouth Rocks.
When looking for a specific color, keep in mind that some breeds come in one color, some breeds come in many colors.
The breed is the shape, the variety is the color.

 

[Trogdor]

Finally finished.

Here's some of the work.

Thanks again!

 

[rjohns39]

hmmmm.... we've been in process reviewing coop articles, you might want to write one for your coop. If you do, be as detailed as possible and include plans, materials list and step by step how you went about it as well as including anything you'd do different now that you're done. It looks great btw...

 

[Lazy Farmer]

Finally finished.

Here's some of the work.

Thanks again!

 

[AllenK RGV]

Seriously a M16 in your hands and 7 30 round magazines... that is a crappy lifestyle. Thankfully it pays the bills now being 100 percent disabled.Yes I am an A#$. { still would never wish it on anyone. I still have no idea why I needed 210 rounds, I am not that bad of a shot. I usually did 40/40 on weapons qualification. I'm not bragging just stating the obvious.


Apologies for being such a downer. Anyhow, I love my chicken! They make everything better.

 

[AllenK RGV]

Just so you know I do love my lawn guys. They will be right here to board up our house the next time a hurricane comes. These guys rock!

 

[MrsMistyReal]

Finally finished.

Here's some of the work.

Thanks again!

View attachment 1463106 View attachment 1463109 View attachment 1463111 View attachment 1463113 View attachment 1463115 View attachment 1463120 View attachment 1463125

We're looking for a forever home when can we move in awesome job

 

[RedDirtRambler]

Hello, and welcome! Like you, I am new to this, and going to build a coop first. Good luck, and happy "chicken-ing"

 

[Trogdor]

Thanks for the feedback everyone!

hmmmm.... we've been in process reviewing coop articles, you might want to write one for your coop. If you do, be as detailed as possible and include plans, materials list and step by step how you went about it as well as including anything you'd do different now that you're done. It looks great btw...

When I've got some time will try to write up. I'm certainly grateful for the guidance here!!!