Looking for coop ideas.

[MyChickens14]

Two story modification?

 

[snot]

Build a hoop coop it's easy to build, easy to stand in .pretty easy to move if you need to and nothing can get into it if you build it rite. I even took the basic idea of a hoop coop and built a shed for my lawn tractor and tools. I think I spent a day building and 100 bucks in materials.

 

[21hens-incharge]

That tractor design would be difficult when it comes to cleaning and tending.
It is also to small for the dominant breed types you are getting.

In my opinion a double decker does not work to increase space in the coop. They don't function like parrots. They need ground space.

 

[MyChickens14]

Build a hoop coop it's easy to build, easy to stand in .pretty easy to move if you need to and nothing can get into it if you build it rite. I even took the basic idea of a hoop coop and built a shed for my lawn tractor and tools. I think I sent a day building and 100 bucks in materials.

I just looked that type of coop up and it's a great idea! But I live in Canada and I just don't really know how I truly winterize it. How?!?!

 

[21hens-incharge]

I just looked that type of coop up and it's a great idea! But I live in Canada and I just don't really know how I truly winterize it. How?!?!

THAT is critical information!
Living in Canada makes your build even more critical.

@BantyChooks is in the frozen north too. I am sure she has pointers for keeping birds happy and healthy way up there.

 

[WthrLady]

Woods coop. My favorite, that's why I built it. Open wall and no insulation or added heat.

 

[K813ZRA]

I too like the idea of a hoop coop but that a-frame looks nice too. I sort of have a hoop coop in that I have an old greenhouse that I covered in that green roofing metal. However, if ever you go with a metal coop I suggest making sure you have a lot of ventilation or it rains inside the coop due to condensation. I found this out quickly and had to remedy the situation because it made my birds prone to frost bite!

My rambling aside, if I could make one coop suggestion it would be that you highly consider a walk-in style coop. I did not do this with my first coop and I regret it to this day, because I still use that coop. It is so much more of a pain to maintain than a walk-in.

Other than that, have a look at the coop pages as there are some really nice ones on there. Used sheds are a good way to go, btw.

 

[BantyChooks]

I just looked that type of coop up and it's a great idea! But I live in Canada and I just don't really know how I truly winterize it. How?!?!

Tip one: build big. Living here, you are going to have half the year where your birds are stuck in a coop or coop and covered run. Walk-ins are awesome; those little ones are a pain in the rear to winterize and keep birds healthy in. I'd say that 5--6 square feet of space is probably minimal, and my birds were happiest at 10 each. I've heard good things about Woods coops but I have not tried one myself.

In terms of actual winterization, you'll find as many opinions as you'll find chicken keepers. A lot of it comes from people in a southern or otherwise different locale, though, so take all of those with a grain of salt. Personally, I drop ventilation somewhat (NOT all the way---not even close) to keep the air a little warmer and air flow a little slower. My mantra is if the coop stinks, it needs more ventilation. If not, you're good. I have about 40 square feet of ventilation in my 12 x 12 coop and I drop it to about 10--15 square feet in winter. It works for me and that's the way I get the happiest, healthiest birds. If you think about it, it makes sense. "They" say frostbite is caused by moisture. To some extent, I agree wholeheartedly. But when the daily highs are below zero for two weeks straight, exposed flesh is exposed flesh. You could have a dehumidifier right next to their face and they'll still get it. Swapping ventilation for a few extra degrees might well be helpful in that situation.... ust something to think about. If you look around at local chickenkeepers, especially those that've been in the poultry business for over half a century, you'll find many management practices that the (largely southerner-based) Internet can't give you. That's where I learned, and the chooks survive.

As one lone anecdote, a friend of mine keeps her birds with a minuscule amount of ventilation over the winter. Every single window is covered in plastic, and rags are stuffed in the gaps. There's always heavy frost on the windows. Guess what? She gets as much frostbite on her birds as I do, maybe less, even. Temperatures in her coop are always much warmer than the outdoors, though not above freezing. Would I do what she does? No way. Does it work for her? Yes. Remember that I am not recommending this, only noting; there might be potential long-term respiratory effects under this arrangement.

 

[MyChickens14]

That tractor design would be difficult when it comes to cleaning and tending.
It is also to small for the dominant breed types you are getting.

In my opinion a double decker does not work to increase space in the coop. They don't function like parrots. They need ground space.

This is my idea for the modification:

 

[Ruralhideaway]

I second every caution about headroom. If you are going to invest mentally and financially, you want pleasant payback, not crawling through mud to catch a stubborn chicken. Be able to walk in and spend pleasant moments, you'll enjoy them and know what's going on with your chickens. I've observed lots of health problems not getting caught early when the owners can't get in there with the birds.

Can't underestimate our northern climates, they really won't want to come out for days. But they will if they are badly crowded, and suffer for doing so.