How much do you think it would cost to build a 10' x 10' chicken coop?

[bluehillfarm]

So I have been do my research and I think layers need 2-4 square ft. per bird is that right? How many square ft. do you have per bird in your coop? I am planning on getting 20 layers
I think I have a coop design I would like to build https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/the-chicken-garden-coop I LOVE this design but it is too big for the amount of chickens I want so, I want to cut it down to a 10' x10' is it possible to go by this plan and just cut out the storage part of it? or should I draw out an other plan similar? Also is a 10' x 10' big enough for 20 hens or is it too big? how many layers can fit in a 10' x 10' ? One more question LOL how much do you think it would cost to build a 10' x10' coop similar to the one is the picture? Sorry for all the questions just curious...Thanks

 

[Wyogirl]

That would be 100sq ft so you could have at least 25-30 so I don't think its too big, i have an 8x16 with 48 chickens and they are all doing great!!
the cost??? I had mine built by a contractor as he was here building a barn for us , it's on skids , insulated,1 window and door, very nice and I lost track of the cost, I actually didn't want to know lol
Good Luck
Ayda

 

[bluehillfarm]

thanks its good to know that I could add some hens or roosters if I wanted

 

[NovaAman]

go to loews or menards, price out 2x4s, 4x4s, in 8ft and 10 foot lengths... Also ask if they have any shed kits that may be damaged and you may get lucky and get a $1000 shed for a few 100... Might need to to a little to the damaged parts... But hey... Others wise I'd say 500 or so if you do all the building and look for the best deals. I built an 8x4 coop for just under 200.

 

[bluehillfarm]

wow that is a great idea thank you so much

 

[lokua]

You might also consider changing the dimensions to 8 by 12 you still have 96 square feet and it will be easier and possibly cheaper to build. Since lumber comes in standard dimensions of 4,8, and 12 feet. There will be less cutting and less wasted wood. When you do the exterior sheathing you will be able to use full sheets and just cut out windows and doors.

 

[collaire]

You might also consider changing the dimensions to 8 by 12 you still have 96 square feet and it will be easier and possibly cheaper to build. Since lumber comes in standard dimensions of 4,8, and 12 feet. There will be less cutting and less wasted wood. When you do the exterior sheathing you will be able to use full sheets and just cut out windows and doors.

Well said. The trick to building economically, is when you're finished the only thing that you haven't used in building is the sawdust, and you've saved that for bedding.

 

[debid]

Yep, 8x12 makes much more sense when you start buying your building supplies. I also wanted to mention that places like Habitat for Humanity's Restore are a terrific source of cost-saving supplies. Check there for things like windows, paint, hinges, a door, vinyl flooring... I'd also suggest asking on Freecycle because you never know what people would like to see gone from their garage. Once in a while, someone will post on Craigslist that they tore something down and the pile of wood is free for the taking. It might not be the prettiest and you might need to do a bit of nail removal but hey, it's free. If you have the means to move it, people sell used sheds on CL as well which could save you lots of $ and building time.

 

[Daisy8s]

The square footage needed depends both on how much time the chickens will be in the coop and what bedding method you'll be using. 5 sq ft per bird will lead to much less manure concentration than 2 sq feet. If you're planning on cleaning the coop daily then you could go with less sq footage per bird. But, if you plan on using a deep litter method where the bedding has to absorb all the manure then 5 sq ft is ideal.

I have 5 sq ft per bird and use the deep litter method with leaves/grass clippings I save in the fall and use all year round. No hassle, no smell. Throw in some kitchen scraps and the birds churn under fresh manure and fluff their bedding so it remains dry underfoot. My run is 30' by 30' and they free range outside of this run daily so lots of poop is deposited outside the coop, not in.

I built my 8'x8' coop for around $350. I only had to build three sides and a simple lean-to roof as it attaches to the back of my garage. I used free siding, insulation, and shingles I already had on hand.

 

[CherryChick]

It's hard to put a price with building a chicken coop. It all depends if you contract someone to do it or yourself. Then if you do it yourself where you get the supplies will matter with the final tally.
We built a 8' x 16' Coop this last fall. Not quite done with the inside but we are waiting till spring to finish that. We have 4 windows ( From Habitat for Humanity Store) Damaged Door at Lowes and all our wood on sale at Menards. We think the total came out to about $1000. Which was more then we wanted to spend but well we know we can build a decent size shed.
And our ladies love there home it keeps the snow off of them.