Lookin like a coop!

[BanditMan]

Well to be my first coop ever coming along quite nice....just looking for some ideas for the roost, laying box and flooring? Any ideas would be gratefully wanted! The open side of the hen house is going to be on hinges for easy cleaning.

 

[TheGoldenGirlz]

Looks great! Only thing is that unless you have no predators at all I’d suggest something other than chicken wire(hardware cloth, hog wire, etc) because it is sooo easy to get through. Sand floors are my favorite!

 

[BanditMan]

No actually the whole reason I went with the CW was bc the coop will actually be inside a chain linked fence and the size (w) was exactly what I needed ...couldn't find the actual (w) size I needed in Hardware....Question tho what's pros and cons with sand floors? Inside hen house or run?

 

[rosemarythyme]

x2 on something other than chicken wire, or at the very least supplement it with hardware cloth on the bottom few feet.

EDIT: NEVERMIND... I just read your other post. Though I will say if you have a rodent issue, the chain link and chicken wire will not keep out mice and likely rats.

I assume you're going with an external nest box to maximize coop space? Roost could sit directly across from the hinged access door or across the back perpendicular, depends on where you're putting the pop door and such.

What plans do you have for ventilation inside the coop? I see 2 solid walls but there's plenty of opportunity to put some in the other 2 walls.

 

[21hens-incharge]

How many birds are you planning on?
That will help in figuring out the roosts.

I made my roots so I can lift them out to clean both them and the coop more easily.

Linoleum on the floor will greatly extend the life of the floor.
To expensive for my big coop so I painted that with porch and floor paint. So far (4 or 5 years) so good.

I agree the coop needs vents.

 

[BanditMan]

Yea, you guys are really having me re think the hardware cloth for at least bottom half... I might just change that out wouldn't be much to do. I was thinking The pop door is going to be near the human door....I haven't done any ventilation yet bc I wanted to ask you guys should I put windows in or just holes at top? I am going to do an external nest box

 

[BanditMan]

I have 6 hens.

 

[21hens-incharge]

I really like windows.
I made mine pretty easily.


Awning style let's air in and keeps rain out.

If you do add hardware cloth there is no need to remove the chicken wire. Just go over it.

Six hens means 6' of roost space needed.

oh and I would put the pop door away from your human door so you are not tripping on the ramp.

 

[Duckstail]

Nice job so far. Excited to see he finish product!

 

[rosemarythyme]

"Windows" (whether they be ones that slide open like the ones in your house, awning style that open up and out, or just mesh covered openings) are a good idea because they let in both air and light. Chickens don't want to go into a dark coop. You could also do some roof vents for additional ventilation.

I agree that something like linoleum on the coop floor should be fine to protect the wood, with bedding of your choice on top of it. As far as run bedding that depends a lot on your climate and also if you want to do any composting or not. Sand probably works better in drier climates and deep litter in damp climates.