Knowledge needed!

[ChicksAre4Kids]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/garage-city-coop
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/garage-city-coop
This IS weird. I copied both and put them on top of each other in notepad, and yup, they're exactly the same syntax.
Both launched the page for me though.
However, I think we should warn the OP about "chicken math". Is there room to build on in the garage and still park? ....Or does the car have to go? LOL

 

[aart]

Quote: Exhaust from car could be detrimental.

 

[ChicksAre4Kids]

Exhaust? Oh gosh yes.... forgot about that! That car has GOT to go! heh heh heh

 

[Egghead_Jr]

Management style dictates how much coop space your birds will need. If you keep feed and water outside and open the coop every morning then 4 square feet per bird is wasted space. They only need nesting boxes and roost space. If you plan to lock birds up on cold days and feed and water in the coop then 4 sqft per bird is more of a minimum.

Run space is crucial in the former management. 8 sqft per bird is small in my mind for a run. Dust bath area, various perching areas and a lot of space makes for a good run. Birds prefer to be outside. By providing a wind break with a tarp or two and tossing down a thin layer of hay when the run gets icy they are happy as can be. Sure on the few mornings it is -30F they will wait until 10am and warmer temps of -10F before going out but look at the wildlife on those mornings. They are all puffed up and hunkered down until it gets warmer too. Even your car doesn't want to get going on those mornings. I toss a few handfuls of sunflower seed on those mornings.

 

[aart]

Management style dictates how much coop space your birds will need. If you keep feed and water outside and open the coop every morning then 4 square feet per bird is wasted space. They only need nesting boxes and roost space. If you plan to lock birds up on cold days and feed and water in the coop then 4 sqft per bird is more of a minimum.

Run space is crucial in the former management. 8 sqft per bird is small in my mind for a run. Dust bath area, various perching areas and a lot of space makes for a good run. Birds prefer to be outside. By providing a wind break with a tarp or two and tossing down a thin layer of hay when the run gets icy they are happy as can be. Sure on the few mornings it is -30F they will wait until 10am and warmer temps of -10F before going out but look at the wildlife on those mornings. They are all puffed up and hunkered down until it gets warmer too. Even your car doesn't want to get going on those mornings. I toss a few handfuls of sunflower seed on those mornings.

To an extent that can be true, especially someone with experience like you.....
....but if a bird can't jump off the roost without crashing into the wall...that's a bit different of a story.

 

[MrsKluck]

I really appreciate everyones input! I want to do it right, for the health and safety of my flock. I read the article on ventilation, and now know the importance of ventilation. I will keep this into consideration while constructing.
I also now realize how much I may need to rely on you all for advise....and cannot express how appreciative I am of any input from anyone who takes the time to read my posts and respond.

I have attached a photo of the area where I want to put the coop. I am going to start clearing it out tomorrow. Here are some facts to help decide if this idea of the interior garage coop going to work.

• I've always wanted a flock of my own chickens....and these chicks "just happened". (Read earlier 10-19 post) Probably irresponsible of me to hatch them on a whim, but they are here and I want to do this.
• I'm a widow, pretty much doing this on my own. I have a creative mind, but limited handy skills. My brother-in-law is a disabled carpenter who is going to help me best he can with a bad knee. My 85 year old Mother lives with me, and she keeps her car in the garage. She goes out maybe 2 times a week, and basically would start the car, back it out, come home, pull into the garage, turn it off and thats it. It would not be running in the garage. Mom keeps her car to the left of the photo. There is no way she would give up parking the car outside. Would this amount of exhaust fumes be an issue?
• The door I had in mind for access inside the coop has a 24 x 36"' screened window on it that I could use for ventilation. My brother in law said he could also make the partition wall 7 ' tall or whatever I want, so all along the top would be ventilation.
• The wall on the left of the photo is 5 feet. It is then 10 feet to the window. I could bring that 5 foot wall out further a couple of feet (larger coop) then make the partition wall up to the window...giving the chickens about a third of the window. ( The window does not open)
• My budget is limited, and I just have to make do with what I've got.

These are my ideas, and would really welcome comments, ideas & suggestions.