Large Open Coop with Covered Run Design & Build with Costs and Pics

[Missceegee]

Day 2 Progress Pics

• Front wall framed
• Roof wood all installed
• Roof tin laid on
• 8x8 coop platform installed
• 
  
  
  Up next
• Install roof tin
• Frame rear wall
• Build door
• figure out how i want coop area built
• 
  

 

[Missceegee]

Input Wanted

- full open air with walls only 3 sides? Close 4th wall solid with vent or just a hardware cloth wall? It’s so hot here in N. Florida
- hemp deep bedding going in the coop. Run is fully covered but big at 10’ x 38’. What for deep litter?

 

[3KillerBs]

Input Wanted

- full open air with walls only 3 sides? Close 4th wall solid with vent or just a hardware cloth wall? It’s so hot here in N. Florida
- hemp deep bedding going in the coop. Run is fully covered but big at 10’ x 38’. What for deep litter?

I went for full open air with no division between coop and run -- just a 3-sided shelter at the windward end -- here in central NC.

 

[Missceegee]

I went for full open air with no division between coop and run -- just a 3-sided shelter at the windward end -- here in central NC.

This is what I am leaning toward, too. Only concern is if I have to catch one. Smaller space is easier. But I think they need the air more.

Under the elevated coop will be fenced separately for an isolation or pullet pen. Wondering if I should wall off part there too? Immediate plan is to put the 5 week olds in there when it’s all done next week or so. I’ll have access from the run side but it’s short so I want to figure it right from the beginning.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Guess my only question is with a 100 sq ft elevated coop, how easy/hard is it for you to physically get in the coop to clean, grab birds, etc? There's no way you can just lean in across 10' for access. My back is spasming at the thought.

Also how easy/hard is it to access the run space underneath the coop? Are you physically able to crawl down there, as you plan to put chicks or birds in need of isolation in there?

With heat and humidity I would have a fully/nearly fully open inside wall. You mentioned the Texas open air one, is there a reason you didn't go that route, where 1 end is the "coop" with roosts and nests but no 4th wall or floor at all?

 

[Missceegee]

Guess my only question is with a 100 sq ft elevated coop, how easy/hard is it for you to physically get in the coop to clean, grab birds, etc? There's no way you can just lean in across 10' for access. My back is spasming at the thought.

Also how easy/hard is it to access the run space underneath the coop? Are you physically able to crawl down there, as you plan to put chicks or birds in need of isolation in there?

With heat and humidity I would have a fully/nearly fully open inside wall. You mentioned the Texas open air one, is there a reason you didn't go that route, where 1 end is the "coop" with roosts and nests but no 4th wall or floor at all?

Thanks for replying!

Just FYI...I have 21 birds with 6 babies to join. Open air is my preference for sure. Just trying to figure out best set up so the hubby doesn’t make me sleep with them if I keep asking to do it differently. if I am supposed to have 4 sq’ per bird in coop and 10 in the run, I’m already short. Not terribly so and they can free range too.

I want an easy set up long term to accommodate layers, the roo, and babies. I can climb in the elevated area to shovel when needed. The under is harder.

I can shrink the elevated area tomorrow if I want. I could alternatively just wall off a bit separate or something for the littles. But I need to figure it out before tomorrow or my husband and brother who’s helping may disown me.

I can put roosts in the hen house and the run. Help.

 

[aart]

Guess my only question is with a 100 sq ft elevated coop, how easy/hard is it for you to physically get in the coop to clean, grab birds, etc?

Agrees.
No need for the coop to be elevated with all that covered run space.

 

[Missceegee]

Agrees.
No need for the coop to be elevated with all that covered run space.

Thank you for the reply Aart.

I found the link to the TX coop - https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/texas-coop-build-pic-heavy.1371038/page-6

Is this what you'd recommend basically, just 3 solid walls w/ vents above in all the walls? Certainly easier and cheaper, so I am not opposed! I'd install the roll out nest boxes in one wall. Just deep bedding/litter the whole thing? Wondering about skirt boards/tin due to the insane rain we are having?

Thanks so much for your input (and others).

 

[blackdog043]

Agrees.
No need for the coop to be elevated with all that covered run space.

X2
I'd drop the floor so you could walk in. It may not seem bad right now, but your back will thank you after you've had to climb in there to do stuff or try to catch a chicken inside all crouched over. I'm thinking long term coop, so you don't have to revise it later. Put hardware cloth around the floor, so nothing get get underneath.

 

[TropicalBabies]

Absolutely dreamy! (Except for the receipts! )
I live hot and humid too. Love the open concept. I'd def leave front open, nothing like fresh air Love all the trees, very helpful.
Congrats on the awesome and dreamy chicken estate.