Large, mobile coop design question

[Sonoma Egg]

Good day to all!

New member here, and first post. i’m building a large mobile coop on an old steel flatbed. i have numerous pastures here that i intend to let the birds (50+ hens) explore throughout the day, then secure them at night.

i’m having issues deciding how to lay it out.
Any thoughts, input would be appreciated!

SonomaDave

 

[Ted Brown]

How big is the trailer?

 

[Sonoma Egg]

24ft by 8ft, sir.

 

[Ted Brown]

Your question above relates to layout and your diagram seems to support this. It may be that you should also be asking about the actual design of the coop itself as it can affect not only the internal layout but also the health/well being of your flock.

Where are you located? Sonoma? Location is important when deciding design, construction, layout questions and will help folks to offer suggestions. You have a lot of space to work with and your 50 bird requirement can easily be accommodated particularly if they will free range during the day.

One immediate thought that occurred given it will be mobile: allocate a storage area to carry food and tools/materials needed to look after the flock?

 

[Ted Brown]

 

[Sonoma Egg]

yes, sir, in Sonoma. Winters are mild with only a handful of days below freezing. is there a formula or guideline for sq ft of ventilation as a ratio of wall space? i have several windows i’m installing around the perimeter for light, as well. i also am building in space to carry food/water. my big question is whether i should put roosts and boxes in same section? or have the bigger area dedicated to roosts and food/water and the back area dedicated to nests?
thx

 

[Ted Brown]

I am a big proponent of "Fresh Air" coops. I live in a radically different climate than you do with winters averaging -15C (5F) yet I still use a open coop year round. I recommend reading:

Here is the Prince T. Woods Modern Fresh Air Poultry House book.

There are a couple of designs in that book that could be directly adapted to fit on your trailer.

For efficiency I would build your nest boxes (you do not need many, max 10) near the floor level, place the roosts above and use the nest box top for dropping boards (your dropping boards will probably need to be wider/deeper than the nest boxes). I have also seen a coop where the wall behind the roosts contained a long board mounted horizontally that could be opened to allow the droppings to be pulled or pushed directly outside and onto the ground; very efficient and perfect given that you will be moving the coop on a regular basis.

I am early stages in building my second coop on a trailer. It will be a Woods KD style smaller than my current coop (8' by 12' vs 10' by 16') your post caught my eye because of that.

Good luck, I recommend skimming/reading the book as it will give you lots of food for thought. Please keep posting as you progress. I will be following.

Ted

 

[aart]

You're going to want big roof overhangs(for shade) and open walls to deal with the heat.
May need panels that can be installed for blocking winter winds from roost area.

 

[21hens-incharge]

Wondering if the windows are glass.....

 

[jthornton]

You could put nest boxes or a large one (which I prefer) around the rear of the trailer. Then put roosts above that with Sweet PDZ under the roosts for easy clean up. If you make large overhangs on the roof you could collect the eggs from the outside which would be much easier on your back.

JT