How to expand store bought coop

[Soon2BChixMom]

So true about the tsc coops. The one I got said 8 chickens. I knew the numbers were exaggerated. So, I thought mine would be fine for 4. What I didn’t know was how big chickens are irl. Now, that my girls are using the coop/run. Maybe 2 chickens if they had to be cooped up all of the time. I am working on expanding the run and eventually will replace this coop with either a built one or try to build one. But, for now they are making do. Since this is a new experience for them - we are not having problems yet.

Although the size of my coop is a bummer, there are things I like about it. So, I’m definitely going to keep that in mind when I get or build a new one.

 

[chickwhisperer 17]

It's not a 4X10 coop. It's a 4X4 coop with an attached 6X4 run.
I don't think I would put more than four chickens in that size coop and run.
Chicken coop people lie. TSC lies about its coops on a regular basis but your coop is much nicer than the TSC coops.
I have a 30 sq ft coop and a 200 sq ft run for six chickens. I think maybe two more might be pushing it. I don't free range because of a huge predator presence so their coop and run are all they have to be happy in.
Your coop is a nicely made coop and run, though, very nice. Just too small, sadly.
Living on LI you no doubt have some raccoons to deal with, at the very least. I would think about predator proofing that coop and run.
I think your chickens would be okay for the night in that coop but they need more room to play in that run.
I would also paint the interior and add poop trays for easy cleanup.

Great idea about poop trays. How would I expand it?

 

[NancyNurseCxMama]

Great idea about poop trays. How would I expand it?

My poop trays are done in two sections for easy removal and cleaning. They are also lined with vinyl flooring and then PDZ is added. I did a Fall cleanup last weekend and stripped the coop and cleaned everything but normally I don't remove the trays, I clean them with a kitty litter scoop and spritz any splats with white vinegar and wipe with a paper towel.
We made them from 1/4" plywood and tacked an edge all around. Painted them, added supports to the coop walls (simple blocks would do) and a cantilevered support in the middle (hubby had to get fancy, lol, but it allows the sheet vinyl on the floor to go in without cutting for a middle support post).
Here is a pic (it has some pine shavings in this pic because it was just put in and I wanted the girls to feel comfortable with it but now has straight PDZ):

 

[aart]

Great idea about poop trays. How would I expand it?

I would make make the whole 4x10 structure a 'coop' by adding plywood walls and opening up or removing the existing wall between existing coop and run....then build a large, secure run adjacent to the coop.

Arranging a poop board inside a 4' wide coop will be tight and take some planning.
Might only do part this year.....more next spring.

 

[chickwhisperer 17]

I would make make the whole 4x10 structure a 'coop' by adding plywood walls and opening up or removing the existing wall between existing coop and run....then build a large, secure run adjacent to the coop.

Arranging a poop board inside a 4' wide coop will be tight and take some planning.
Might only do part this year.....more next spring.

Thank you for your great idea!!

 

[chickwhisperer 17]

Thank you for your great idea!!

How big should I build the large secure run about?

 

[aart]

How big should I build the large secure run about?

As big as possible...at least 10x15 or 8x20.

 

[path.otto]

Answers seem to vary on that but what I see most often is 10 sq. ft. per chicken and more is better. So you are looking at a minimum 10 x 12 or any other dimension that adds up to 120 sq. ft. Very nice coop!

 

[chickwhisperer 17]

As big as possible...at least 10x15 or 8x20.

Thank you