Key Design Pointers

[Ted Brown]

The whole coop and run will be under the pole shed roof so protected from weather.

The poles are 12' from another so 36' length; 2' overhangs all round. 10' by 16' coop building shown within, elevated 3', south facing, Woods K-D type. Run will be 1/2" HC from coop east (right) wall around the two east most poles, fully enclosed and including 3' crawl space under the coop.

 

[JMotuzick]

So there will be no run? Or the coop will be up on stilts so you can crawl under it?

I’m a fan of being able to walk everywhere the hens can. I would build the coop just outside the car port your having built and give the 12x12 as the run. But that just me!

 

[aart]

Or the coop will be up on stilts so you can crawl under it?

10' by 16' coop building shown within, elevated 3'

 

[Ted Brown]

I’m a fan of being able to walk everywhere the hens can. I would build the coop just outside the car port your having built and give the 12x12 as the run. But that just me!

Songster, why not outside indeed!

I am re-thinking my assumptions about how best to use the pole shed, as a run makes best sense considering winter and other year round.

Thanks!

 

[Ted Brown]

Coop outside Pole Shed:

 

[Hobbits Mommie]

Well, I kind of have the best of both worlds. However, I haven't heard much here about predator proofing, which should be your number one priority. Here's mine, it's a raised/walk in coop. The flooring directly under the roosting bars is enclosed with 1/4 hardware cloth. Most of the "poop" falls through and I can scrape it from under, and I can also walk into it to clean as well. Posting pictures for reference.

 

[Ted Brown]

...haven't heard much here about predator proofing, which should be your number one priority...

The Woods K-D design, properly executed with 1/2" HC is predator proof, as I understand? The floor is elevated off ground, double boarded at 90 degrees, topped with 1/4" liquid asphalt for mites & rats; metal trays between post & floor for rats.

I am sure there is more, comments please!

 

[aart]

I see nothing wrong with having the coop under pole structure, could be very advantageous in winter......but a solid roofed(for snow cover) run outside of pole structure would be good for birds(ground to scratch)and for you (more space under structure).
Tough decisions...just keep tossing ideas and sketches around, you'll find what's best for you.

 

[Hobbits Mommie]

properly executed with 1/2" HC is predator proof, as I understand?

I was told that mice & rats (or snakes), could get through anything larger than 1/4, but I'm certainly no expert. We had an issue with rats when our birds were chicks and since we put the 1/4 in, we haven't had any losses. I live in central FL, so snakes are also a concern (not sure if you have them that far north).

 

[aart]

properly executed with 1/2" HC is predator proof, as I understand?

I was told that mice & rats (or snakes), could get through anything larger than 1/4, but I'm certainly no expert. We had an issue with rats when our birds were chicks and since we put the 1/4 in, we haven't had any losses. I live in central FL, so snakes are also a concern (not sure if you have them that far north).

Small mice might get thru 1/2", and tiny baby snakes, but rats wouldn't.