How to build the best coop & run?

[Flock Master64]

I've been debating on rebuilding my chicken coop. I have 6 hens. How big should the coop and run be? What should I use for bedding in the coop and on the floor of the run? How can I make nesting boxes. What should I do for ventalation? I want a windo in the coop too.

 

[Mace Gill]

I've been debating on rebuilding my chicken coop. I have 6 hens. How big should the coop and run be? What should I use for bedding in the coop and on the floor of the run? How can I make nesting boxes. What should I do for ventalation? I want a windo in the coop too.

I could give a long detailed answer, but as your tag line has it ... if you're surrounded by Amish, contact them! Those cats know farm building and carpentry!

 

[Flock Master64]

I could give a long detailed answer, but as your tag line has it ... if you're surrounded by Amish, contact them! Those cats know farm building and carpentry!

Good answer

 

[HenOnAJuneBug]

What kind of building skills do you have and how much money do you want to spend? I opted to use two 8x10 metal sheds that I got on Craigslist cheap until I have more experience to know better what to build next time. I didn't want to spend a lot of money and later regret decisions I made.

 

[Mrs. Light Sussex]

Ideally, 4 sq ft per bird in the coop and 10 sq ft per bird in the run. Less is possible for small and bantam breeds.
For bedding in the coop you can use dry leaves, dry grass clippings, hay, pine shavings and some say sand in a good option too (personally, I'd stay away from sand as it may cause respiratory problems). Bedding in the run can be dirt, but using one of the above will make cleaning and maintenance easier.
Nest boxes can be made practically from anything as long as the chickens feel safe and secure in them. Some provide curtains. They should be fairly dark. Access from the outside will allow egg collecting and inspection with minimal disturbance to the birds.
For ventilation you should have windows towards the top of the coop so there is no winter breeze or winds that can get them sick.

 

[Mace Gill]

What kind of building skills do you have and how much money do you want to spend? I opted to use two 8x10 metal sheds that I got on Craigslist cheap until I have more experience to know better what to build next time. I didn't want to spend a lot of money and later regret decisions I made.

View attachment 1087619

Is that a freakin' tunnel connecting the two sheds like an old hamster cage???? Brilliant!

 

[Flock Master64]

Is that a freakin' tunnel connecting the two sheds like an old hamster cage???? Brilliant!

Pure genius

 

[Flock Master64]

What kind of building skills do you have and how much money do you want to spend? I opted to use two 8x10 metal sheds that I got on Craigslist cheap until I have more experience to know better what to build next time. I didn't want to spend a lot of money and later regret decisions I made.

View attachment 1087619

I've built a cool before, and it's a nice cool. I just think it's too small. It's big enough for 3-4 chickens not 6. If I rebuild it I'm going to make it big enough for 8-9 so they have a little extra room and I don't have to worry about pecking issues during the winter.

Money Isn't a huge problem. I'm still a kid and live with my parents but I do have my own job so whatever I make I can spend on the coop. It just might take a little while to save up.

 

[HenOnAJuneBug]

Is that a freakin' tunnel connecting the two sheds like an old hamster cage???? Brilliant!

Yeah. I originally tried to build a tunnel with wood, but it got too complicated too quick for lazy me. That barrel works pretty good as long as I keep sand in the bottom. Otherwise they slip around like someone walking on ice. I saw someone's setup in their avatar the other day that did the same sort of thing with 3 barrels. Talk about a hamster tunnel.

 

[Howard E]

Flock Master.......
You have been around this site for over a year. Surely you know by now the best solution is a Woods coop? If only 6 birds, have the Amish lads build you the 6' x 10' and you will be good for up to a dozen birds if you lose your will and double your flock size.
Keep in mind a Woods coop built to specs is essentially an open run enclosed on 3 sides.......so consider it to be a coop and run combined. Safe, secure and good for both summer and winter.