Input on Building Our Coop!

[aart]

Nest boxes- 1 nest box for every 5-8 hens.

Ehhh... more like 1 nest for every 3-4 maybe 5 birds.

Roosts- 10" of roost space per bird is the general accepted measurement.

12" is better, and more common here, especially for large fowl birds, and more is necessary depending on how they access the roosts...if they need to fly up, more is needed for wing span space.

 

[Welshies]

Ehhh... more like 1 nest for every 3-4 maybe 5 birds.

12" is better, and more common here, especially for large fowl birds, and more is necessary depending on how they access the roosts...if they need to fly up, more is needed for wing span space.

I've always been told 1 per 5-8 hens. I have had 20 hens at once in the past, on 4 nest boxes, and they only laid in one. It was sort of hilarious.
12" is better in warmer climates. 10" works better for cold climates. It depends on the OP's preference. I've had Brahmas on 10", with no issue.
However, you have a point. It's never a bad idea to provide extra space- somewhat like "insurance" against any issues.

 

[Sublight]

1. Take it from me, its better to build too big then too little. It doesn't cost much to make it bigger.
---- For the price of only 2 more sheets of plywood (50 bucks?), and a few 2x4's you can make the coop 4 feet deeper. Plus a little more roofing I suppose.

2. Remember with your coop, you are NOT trying to keep your chickens in the coop. You are trying to keep predators OUT. Build it from that viewpoint.
---------- When I took the time to ratproof the coop and spill-proof my feeder, I saved probably 60-70 percent on my feed. Do that it will pay for your expansion many times over.

3. I wish I had made my coop big enough for a dedicated "broody" space. Where my broody silkies can brood, and raise chicks. They keep trying to use nesting boxes, and I only have 2. I built it much too small.

4. Don't build on the cheap. I used cheap plywood, and it didn't hold up well. Go to home depot, spend 30 bucks and buy some cheap paint, and slap it on there. YOu will thank me in 3-4 years.

 

[Welshies]

1. Take it from me, its better to build too big then too little. It doesn't cost much to make it bigger.
---- For the price of only 2 more sheets of plywood (50 bucks?), and a few 2x4's you can make the coop 4 feet deeper. Plus a little more roofing I suppose.

2. Remember with your coop, you are NOT trying to keep your chickens in the coop. You are trying to keep predators OUT. Build it from that viewpoint.
---------- When I took the time to ratproof the coop and spill-proof my feeder, I saved probably 60-70 percent on my feed. Do that it will pay for your expansion many times over.

3. I wish I had made my coop big enough for a dedicated "broody" space. Where my broody silkies can brood, and raise chicks. They keep trying to use nesting boxes, and I only have 2. I built it much too small.

4. Don't build on the cheap. I used cheap plywood, and it didn't hold up well. Go to home depot, spend 30 bucks and buy some cheap paint, and slap it on there. YOu will thank me in 3-4 years.

x2.
Movable roosts are a great idea. As are poop boards.
Weasels can slip through a 1/2" hole. Use 1/4" hardware cloth to cover all vents and openings.

 

[Folly's place]

Plan on lots of roost space! Birds need to fly up there, and then have social issues, so more choices makes for a happier flock. And less stress, and so more eggs and fewer problems.
Mary

 

[Sublight]

x2.
Movable roosts are a great idea. As are poop boards.
Weasels can slip through a 1/2" hole. Use 1/4" hardware cloth to cover all vents and openings.

x2 on the Moveable roosts. My dad recently did that in his coop, and it makes it SOOO easy to clean. He put a piece of old scrap linoleum flooring down under it, and it makes it so easy to clean.