I want to build a coop, but I've never built anything. Need advice!

[CKfarm22]

How much space? Do you have an estimate of how many square feet of coop, and of run, is needed for two bantam chickens?

Yes 10 sq ft is an appropriate size but i would ump it up to about 12 sq ft or maybe even 15 sq ft. Just so you know the chickens have room and they’re happy. As for the coop they’re pretty much in there only at night yes, but if you’re thinking about adding more, you need more space for integration.

 

[CKfarm22]

That chart calls for exactly the same amount of coop space I mentioned (4 square feet for two bantams). And if the measurements of OP's new pen are accurate, that is what it has (the enclosed "coop" portion).

That chart calls for a lot more run space than most guides, but the pen in question almost meets even that generous allowance (24 square feet in the chart, probably 20 square feet in the wire-enclosed section of the pen.) Most other guides call for 5 to 10 square feet per bantam, which would be 10 to 20 square feet for two bantams.

Everyone has always said “more room=happy chickens”

 

[topochico225]

Everyone has always said “more room=happy chickens”

Ok

 

[Leemartinwhite]

Afternoon from the UK,
The issue with coops is such a complicated one and I really don’t understand why manufacturers don’t find a way to make good quality sturdy plastic ones. I often think I should go on Dragens Den with this
Over the past six years I’ve made many different types of coops and had many of the problems that you’re talking about. Issues with predators, huge issue with red mites and the issue with the weather. About two years ago I came up with the solution that I am extremely happy with.

I was on the bus and went past an industrial estate and saw huge piles of plastic box pallets. I went in and a conversation with the staff there and managed to get the company to give me four of them. I cut a square in the front of it, got some trailer latches to keep the roof on and heavy duty plastic (conservatory roof). I built the door from wood I was given and the metal covering is a pot stand for a dining table. To build the three coops cost me around £20. This was manly for the trailer latches and rings to keep the doors on.
It is very secure.
I am (and so on my hens) so pleased with the results. I have attached a picture of one of the coops below. I do have three of these all next to each other and I haven’t had a single problem with either predators and not a single red mite. I do have a separate high cope where the hens lay their eggs. The only thing you will have to adapt is keeping your hens in a confined area as my group free range over my garden during the day.

During the dry days I take the roof off to give it plenty of air. I also have adjusted the trailer latches to ensure air floor.

Hope this was helpful and good luck.

 

[21hens-incharge]

Yes 10 sq ft is an appropriate size but i would ump it up to about 12 sq ft or maybe even 15 sq ft. Just so you know the chickens have room and they’re happy. As for the coop they’re pretty much in there only at night yes, but if you’re thinking about adding more, you need more space for integration.

True....but the OP has limited building skills and likely limited tools. In addition to that the new tractor (while small) IS adequate size for 2 bantams and provided an immediate solution to the immediate problem.

It bought them much needed peace of mind and them much needed safe housing.

 

[SarahGfa]

I think they're joking, but wow, that sounds terrible!

It is a true story. There is another thread somewhere where I posted about my coop, and people kept commenting about how I should change this or that. It was really frustrating since I have no skills and no tools. I think what you have now is great for 2 bantams.

 

[debbiemaedke]

I mean this with no disrespect- I think you probably should just buy a good coop. (You said please be kind- I am!!! I'm trying to save you a lot of trouble!)

Here's why- given your statement that you go to Home Depot to buy plants only... I think it is fair to say you have no power tools, and thus probably not a lot of building experience either. If you have no power tools or experience- you are going to end up spending way more money than just buying a coop- and that is not including your time nor the odds that you might accidentally hurt yourself.

Alternately, maybe you could buy a pre-fab coop that you assemble?

That all said- if this is a mission of yours to build a coop, then you may want to take a good hard look at the "BYC coop contest" entries for the last 11 contests and those will have the absolute most detail about building a coop. Good luck regardless of which direction you go!

I worked a side-job and saved up for 6 months. I had a foundation poured and a coup delivered. It looks great and it is done right. It is not an eye sore. For me personally, it was worth paying to have somebody else do it for me.

 

[Swbertrand1]

I don't know your budget, but a quick search close to me yielded this:
https://fayetteville.craigslist.org/grq/d/wade-extra-large-chicken-coop-with-run/7351364904.html

My boyfriend built ours from scratch, but it took a week of work and about $700 to $800 in materials four years ago. He says that unless you have some building skills, you're probably better off hiring someone to build a custom coop (like ours) or buying a pre-built unit.

Here is the one he built. It has a temp-controlled exhaust fan, venting up and down along with working double-hung sliding windows, automatic doors, automatic lights, and automatic oscillating fans too. Here are mid-construction and finished/painted photos:

 

[dogpatchchickens]

How about a hoop coop? They're the simplest build for people with limited handyman skills.

If you've got predator issues a PVC-framed coop is not going to be a good option. They're lightweight enough to be flipped by an animal or by the wind and the flexible plastic can be deformed by a predator that is strong enough or heavy enough.

Alternately, since you're concerned about wood in your climate, how about making a coop from a chainlink dog kennel reinforced with hardware cloth to keep smaller predators out?

In your climate an Open Air style coop without an enclosed section really would be healthier for your birds and either a cattle-panel hoop coop or a dog kennel coop would be sturdier and more predator-resistant than any PVC construction could possibly be.

I bought cattle/hog panels. One 16' x 52" panel will make an 8' wide by 6' tall section. I joined two together and covered them with 1/2" hardware cloth. Easy way make a run. You can do a Google search on hoop coops and find instructions on making one.

 

[topochico225]

Alright folks, these birds are almost 5 months old and will be approaching lay soon. I'm thinking about building a small nesting box up in the coop on the same level as the roosting bar. It's about to rain but I'll get pics later to give a sense of what I mean.