How do I build a coop and run for 4 hens?

[cluckmecoop7]

Hi everyone,

Read the title of this thread to get my question. Thank you.

Cluckmecoop7

 

[JMotuzick]

That’s like asking how do you get to California? Where are you? any rules and regulations? what sizes coop run yard etc. what’s your budget? There are too many variables. Please provide more info!

 

[N F C]

Under the Articles tab there is a link to get to the Coops section. That has other member's coop builds, many with step-by-step pictures and narrative. There is everything there from fancy to basic...take a look and see what works best for you.

 

[flyin-lowe]

At bare minimum you should plan on 16 square foot of open floor space. So if you are going to have inside nest boxes, feeders, and water's etc. you will need bigger then 4x4 foot print. If you want an external nest box and plan to feed in a run or some other way then 4x4 would be the smallest you would want to go. Runs space is recommended at 10sq ft per hen, so minimum size would be 10x4 on the run. Again depending on where you are, if you are going to free range, etc. could change things.... Don't fall into the trap at a box store buying a 2ftx2ft coop that they claim can hold a huge flock of birds...