I need HELP!! please

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They have a covered 10'x20' run to be in whenever they want and will have open access to coop day and night. Would it be enough room for them I only have a 3'x 8' footprint for the coop to be on but height doesn't matter so I was thinking of making one just a little off the ground and 40" high and then another on top 40" high as well both would be 3' x 8' would that be the same as having one 6'x 8' coop?? I would really like to have 10 chickens but am confused with what to do about the space I have...
 
I don't mean to hijack your thread I am looking for some advice on a similar topic. I do believe you could work with the 2 stacked coops IMO. I have a question for everyone
I'm in florida so warm weather
I have just built a 4x6 coop and realize I may want more than the planned 6 chickens. They will have a run around 8x18 or so. The coop now has a half wood floor half slatted with wire on top. Plywood 3 sides wire 1. I want to build a dirt floor lean to off of this around 6x6/8 depending on materials I have on hand. I would put additional nest boxes and perches in this. One side would be mostly open with maybe just a low wall 12-18" or so to keep winds out does this seem logical?
 
ellijaychickens said:
They have a covered 10'x20' run to be in whenever they want and will have open access to coop day and night. Would it be enough room for them I only have a 3'x 8' footprint for the coop to be on but height doesn't matter so I was thinking of making one just a little off the ground and 40" high and then another on top 40" high as well both would be 3' x 8' would that be the same as having one 6'x 8' coop?? I would really like to have 10 chickens but am confused with what to do about the space I have...
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HI! If you are building from scratch may I suggest using the full width of the plywood? It will save you time; not give you extra cuts and left over scraps; prevent you from doing extra math;it is more economical, and finally provide more floor space.
Make sure it is easy to get into for getting eggs, handling your birds and cleaning it out, Oh, and for moving them around if they need help or care.
 
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ellijaychickens said:
Im new to chickens and I'm in process of building a coop. I have a shed Im kinda adding to to make a coop. They will have open access to plenty of yard but would a coop about 28" wide x 8'long by 3-4' tall be sufficient for between 6-10 birds? Just for them at night? Im also going to build nest boxes out of the side of it..
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Thanks for your help. And In my opinion the 3x8 coop would work fine I would make the whole front hinged so you can open it for easy cleaning or access to a sick bird just make it to 4x4 doors or have it open on the 3 foot side if you are comfortable crawling in if you had to. The 2 story is a good idea I would find a way to have a passage between the 2 I have read on other posts about chickens only wanting to be in the top so if there is a passage they could pass through easily if they get picked on. Eventually they would learn there's 2 spaces to hangout in
 
I've been reading your post .I 've always been told 2 sq. ft. per chicken in a coop .maybe a little more for larger birds. Try to stay with that . I'm in the middle of coop building and like raised floors . I cover my floors with rubber roofing when its time to clean the coop I pick up the corners pull it out put the droppings in the garden wash it off put it back. the OSB floor is still in great shape after 10 years at least can't remember what year I built it I also use it in the bottoms of my laying boxes If you know a roofer ask them for scraps or if they do tear off to save it for you. Try to get a piece big enough to cover the whole floor. Raised floors give you birds shade on hot days. they will go under the coop its cooler there than inside only the side facing your run needs to be open use solid walls on the other 3 sides. I put sand under mine it gives them grit and dry dirt most of the time they love it. they need to be able to stand to there full height under there . Many free range birds can roost in a smaller area in cold weather they keep each other warm .coop means just that cooped up. Put roost in your run if it is secure from predators they will use them more than you think. I would use OSB it weathers better than plywood when painted and it's cheaper after all its a chicken coop. look for people tearing off old decks the flooring is not much good but the framing timbers are most of the time. Also don't be afraid to check dumpsters when you see a new house being built always ask first. The only things I buy are roofing tin hardware and wire. If you can afford them use square or star drive deck screws in your construction if you don't like something its easier to take apart and change. Walmart is the cheapest place for hinges and latches after all there all made in china .good luck with your project
 

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