How can I modify to enlarge?

[HippieAtHeart]

So I’m being gifted this coop with 7/8 chickens that already live in it and before I knew we were getting this I ordered 3 pullets already so a total of around 11 Chicken that will be living in it come May. This coop is around 4x4 not including nesting boxes. Does anyone have any suggestions how I can modify it to at least have another 10-12 sq ft without losing its security?

 

[aart]

Would be tricky....how handy are you?
What does the framing inside look like?

 

[pibb]

I'd look at extending the tractor handle side so you can still move it around. You'll have to do some disassembling of the roof and side. The wood looks kinda old like its been sitting in the shade somewhere. If you can salvage that side you can just basically move it over.

 

[HippieAtHeart]

View attachment 2059448

I'd look at extending the tractor handle side so you can still move it around. You'll have to do some disassembling of the roof and side. The wood looks kinda old like its been sitting in the shade somewhere. If you can salvage that side you can just basically move it over.

Thank you so much for that idea! My husband and I just learned it is actually closer to 5x4 not including the nesting boxes so I think we might be able to manager although not ideal. We aren’t sure the condition of the chickens we are inheriting or if the rooster is nice (I have a young son and won’t let him be spurred). If it looks to be tight we may just do what you suggested. The thought and image are much appreciated!

 

[HippieAtHeart]

Would be tricky....how handy are you?
What does the framing inside look like?

We are not exactly sure as the pictures I posted are all I have to go off of for now until we go pick it up. From what we are told it is a solid coop. My husband I aren’t super handy but we do know how to use saws, hammers, drills etc., we are just people that need clear directions and steps otherwise it’s hard for us to get to the end result without hours or days of work.
We are thinking it’s probably closer to 5x4 not including nesting boxes based on the roof paneling, which will probably work for us for the time being although not ideal but are still looking to expand. I think we may just work this summer on building a bigger coop and using this in the interim depending on what shape it’s in.

 

[aart]

I think we may just work this summer on building a bigger coop and using this in the interim depending on what shape it’s in.

Good plan!

 

[MLG1900]

View attachment 2059448

I'd look at extending the tractor handle side so you can still move it around. You'll have to do some disassembling of the roof and side. The wood looks kinda old like its been sitting in the shade somewhere. If you can salvage that side you can just basically move it over.

Wow, i love that sketch! So smart!

 

[mowin]

Search pallet coops. Tons of ideas out there. Some rather technical, but others quite easy. You can probably find pallets for free.

A dozen or so 2x4's, nails, and roofing/flooring, and you can have a nice coop for not a ton of $$$.

 

[perkolator]

I'm assuming this is just a place for the hens to sleep and lay eggs in - in that case I'd imagine a 5x4 footprint is enough room for a dozen hens to roost for the night; chickens pack in like sardines when sleeping and don't hang out in the actual coop unless you don't have an area to protect them from the elements in bad weather.

The simplest way to extend the existing coop would be to do what was drawn by pibb. The existing 2x4 protrusion should be fine to attach from assuming its all structurally sound; I'd keep all additions a lightweight as possible as this is a mobile tractor and you're going to be changing the weight distribution/balance point of the existing wheels. My rabbit hutch tractor is smaller than that and not exactly light when moving it around - I'd imagine yours would be quite a chore to move once you add onto it, if not moving the wheels forward.

 

[HippieAtHeart]

I'm assuming this is just a place for the hens to sleep and lay eggs in - in that case I'd imagine a 5x4 footprint is enough room for a dozen hens to roost for the night; chickens pack in like sardines when sleeping and don't hang out in the actual coop unless you don't have an area to protect them from the elements in bad weather.

The simplest way to extend the existing coop would be to do what was drawn by pibb. The existing 2x4 protrusion should be fine to attach from assuming its all structurally sound; I'd keep all additions a lightweight as possible as this is a mobile tractor and you're going to be changing the weight distribution/balance point of the existing wheels. My rabbit hutch tractor is smaller than that and not exactly light when moving it around - I'd imagine yours would be quite a chore to move once you add onto it, if not moving the wheels forward.

Well that makes me feel better that about a dozen could fit. I plan on letting them out every morning when the sun comes out. I’m always up before then because my son thinks sleeping in is 5:30, that and I’ve been been a late riser.
I’ve already been told it’s quite heavy so when we move it here it will be at least two of us. Thank you for the reply, I really appreciate it.