Hi folk. I'm new. And just started my first coop.

[RunChixRun]

Nice to have you aboard. Enjoy being a part of the flock!

Thanks!

 

[Clearwater Chicken]

Hello and Welcome

 

[RunChixRun]

You're smart to be thinking this through thoroughly now.

1/2" hardware cloth should do you well. I don't know what gauge we used but you're right that it comes in different gauges. Get the strongest you can. Then make sure you either dig it in 12"-18" or spread it out in an apron 12" beyond your actual enclosure so that you're safe from digging predators.

I join someone above in recommending a solid roof with a generous overhang. It will give your flock protection from flying and climbing predators and weather as well.

Having your coop over the run is a good way to maximize space. I don't think it matters so very much how high the space in the run under the coop is. Your convenience because you'll be climbing up over it to get into the coop for cleaning and you'll be leaning down to get the random egg or hen under it as well. I've found that a child-size rake is useful there too. It's handy if it's high enough that you can hang a feeder and/or waterer.

Have you considered the door? A full size one you can step through standing up is smart. A double door that you can open from the top only is useful but not essential. What is essential is having double latches on ALL the openings. I like a latch that will take a carabiner clip. Raccoons can't negotiate them. Some folks use a hook and eye latch that has a spring loaded horizontal bar that closes when the hook's secured. Just make sure whatever you choose will be raccoon safe. They're devious!

How about your nesting boxes? Will they be inside the coop? Extending outside? Boxes the extend outside provide more room inside the coop and can be convenient for collecting eggs. They have the option of a roof that lifts up or a side that drops down. If you go for dropped side you'll need a horizontal dam to keep the bedding inside when it's open.

Make sure your coop has lots of ventilation. Make sure the openings are secured with hardware cloth by screws and washers.

Good luck! Enjoy your birds! Come back and show us what you did.

Adding a few more thoughts:

You'll want to think about feed and supply storage. I doesn't need to be part of your coop & run structure but it will convenient if it's nearby. Whatever it is, it will also need to be secure. You don't want to be feeding mice and squirrels and larger pests.

And give some thought to electricity. One day you may want to be hatching and brooding out there. And I would imagine in CT you'll be needing to keep water from freezing for part of the year. I'm in SoCal and need to run fans for another part of the year. And if winter is long and dark you could want supplemental lighting to keep egg production up so you might as well think about how to incorporate it from the beginning.

Have you considered where you will be siting your coop? Lots of shade will keep your flock more comfortable not only physically but psychologically as well. If there's a spot near water that will save you carrying heavy waterers back and forth. If you'll have a rooster as much distance from neighbors and your own bedroom windows as possible will be a good idea. Those guys are up early! ...particularly if you set up those supplemental lights.

Hi. Thanks for your reply. I've wanted to reach back to everybody but we have feverish been building this coop. We just got our hens yesterday and now I have a moment to focus on other things besides it. I don't know if this reply goes to everybody so I apologize if I post it numerous times to each person. Also, I'd like to show the process so will figure out how to post images for all to see. It's not complete yet but we're close. Thanks again.

 

[RunChixRun]

Hi josh-

I am in Wallingford CT and just starting out. How did your coop come out? I’m researching ow to see what I want to do for a coop and I believe that mine will be much like yours.

Hello. So far so good. I only just got the birds yesterday and only half the hen house is complete, the rest is unfinished, but I think the design is going to be solid. Im going to see if I can figure out how to post images of the build on this forum for everybody to see. I documented everything. Good luck!

Josh

 

[aart]

I don't know if this reply goes to everybody

Everyone sees your replies...no need to quote them all unless you specifically want to reply to that member. No worries tho, you'll figure it out.

 

[Rden]

Hello. So far so good. I only just got the birds yesterday and only half the hen house is complete, the rest is unfinished, but I think the design is going to be solid. Im going to see if I can figure out how to post images of the build on this forum for everybody to see. I documented everything. Good luck!

Josh

 

[Rden]

Would love to see pics!