Looking for large coop plans

[Disheygirl]

Has anyone bought coop plans that they’d recommend? I’ve googled, I’ve tried Etsy, I’ve perused this site…I just don’t know enough about building to know what constitutes good plans v so-so or bad.

I really only need the run portion, and those are harder to find…although maybe it’s more simple than I’m making it out to be. I have 14 and counting, they do not free range (we have a lot of hawks, plus some “pet” coyotes and foxes), so I need a rather large run. Want it to be tall enough to walk in and probably 20 feet long / 6 feet wide.

Appreciate any recommendations on where to look, or if you know of a designer who can use CAD or something, I’d be interested in that route too.

Thanks!

 

[3KillerBs]

Want it to be tall enough to walk in and probably 20 feet long / 6 feet wide.

Given the way that lumber is sold in multiples of 4 feet, 12x12 would be an easier way to get the 140 square feet you'll want for 14 birds. That would take 4 corner posts, 4 center posts, and 12-foot beams on top of them.

Or 4 heavy corner posts and 2 lighter posts at 4" intervals on the sides so that you have something to staple the wire too -- since it's commonly sold in 4-foot wide rolls.

What I'm thinking of is similar to my Open Air Coop, Neuchickenstein (which is 16'x16'):

Did you intend the run to have a solid roof or just netting?

If you feel that you really have to have plans to work from, consider looking for carport or picnic pavillion plans.

 

[Cjsgnn]

Has anyone bought coop plans that they’d recommend? I’ve googled, I’ve tried Etsy, I’ve perused this site…I just don’t know enough about building to know what constitutes good plans v so-so or bad.

I really only need the run portion, and those are harder to find…although maybe it’s more simple than I’m making it out to be. I have 14 and counting, they do not free range (we have a lot of hawks, plus some “pet” coyotes and foxes), so I need a rather large run. Want it to be tall enough to walk in and probably 20 feet long / 6 feet wide.

Appreciate any recommendations on where to look, or if you know of a designer who can use CAD or something, I’d be interested in that route too.

Thanks!

I agree! My run is 6ft tall, 5ft wide and 70ft long. All (floor,ceiling, and walls) are covered with 1/4 hardware cloth and supported with 4x4 poles. I threw 3 yards of sand on the whole run. The roof is metal sheets (old hurricane shutters) and they roost in a 6 x10 metal structure with a concrete tiles

 

[Hip Hillbilly Acres]

Wonder how the op made out with all this?

I am here and online searching out DIY coop instructions for: sloped roof (whatever that is called); no run needed, ours will free range, BUT large enough for 30 chickens!

 

[3KillerBs]

Wonder how the op made out with all this?

I am here and online searching out DIY coop instructions for: sloped roof (whatever that is called); no run needed, ours will free range, BUT large enough for 30 chickens!

When you're up at that size, 120 square feet so 10'x12', you're into the territory of large storage sheds, small barns, horse loafing/run-in sheds, etc.

It's probably easier to find plans for that sort of thing and modify it to suit chickens than to find plans for a chicken coop that large.

 

[Hip Hillbilly Acres]

When you're up at that size, 120 square feet so 10'x12', you're into the territory of large storage sheds, small barns, horse loafing/run-in sheds, etc.

It's probably easier to find plans for that sort of thing and modify it to suit chickens than to find plans for a chicken coop that large.

Thanks SO much for responding. Thank gawd, I spoke with the hubster last night after hours reading here about this subject. I told him "I do not think I can afford to have chickens; oh well, nothing ventured; nothing gained." Long story short, he finally said, "Okay how many chickens do you want?" You see I wanted like 8-10 at first to see how Iike keeping them and while learning everything I need to know. He kept on insisting I needed to buy 40. He said I would lose some of them and to make it worthwhile that is why I needed so many.

Then, he brought it own to 30 chicks. Me = still thought that too many for a neophyte. All the while I have been visiting here, reading all the resources I could get my eyes on.

Keeping it real I can not afford a mini house . . . geesh. Apparently that is what it takes for a flock of 30 chicks. He, being raised homesteading, etc. felt I was being "overly influenced by people on the Internet" and how the chickens "would be free ranging and only in coop at night" blah, blah, blah. Not wanting to entirely discount his expertise and experience I still listen to/read here.

I am just glad he brought the number down to something seemingly more reasonable. Plus, like I reminded him last night, I am going to have my own lil flock of ladies that "I" want to deal with on my own. He can (and will) have his own flock. So, let him have 30-40 chickens if HE wants to. I told him I don't want his fraternizing with mine though (seriously, I don't). He and I have a differing opinion of what is clean and acceptable. That is why I am approaching this the way that I am.

I want my ladies' coup to be chicken clean and presentable. Maybe even painted on the outside to look like somebody cares about the residents. IJS!

 

[3KillerBs]

I personally find that over a dozen chicks at once is a lot to try to manage at the same time.

Once my flock got over about 15 I lost the ability to give them each names and ID them individually on sight.

That matters more to some people than it does to me, but it's a data point to consider.

 

[Hip Hillbilly Acres]

I personally find that over a dozen chicks at once is a lot to try to manage at the same time.

Once my flock got over about 15 I lost the ability to give them each names and ID them individually on sight.

That matters more to some people than it does to me, but it's a data point to consider.

I am thinking if there is some category of description of an owner between "I spoil my ladies to the hilt" and "Go, free range, let nature take its course" owners. My hubby def does not name animals or coddle them. He will rub the dogs head for a minute or two, that's about it.

I often think of naming my girls. Especially after I see Patara calls one of her hens "Clarice"; how cute. But, I ain't gonna lie, my flock is for taking care of us in the so-called famine that is heading here (from what I overstand from the nations leaders). That being said, they are still living beings to be cared for and I will not have mine abused or neglected - not on my watch.

 

[WthrLady]

Given the way that lumber is sold in multiples of 4 feet, 12x12 would be an easier way to get the 140 square feet you'll want for 14 birds. That would take 4 corner posts, 4 center posts, and 12-foot beams on top of them.

Or 4 heavy corner posts and 2 lighter posts at 4" intervals on the sides so that you have something to staple the wire too -- since it's commonly sold in 4-foot wide rolls.

What I'm thinking of is similar to my Open Air Coop, Neuchickenstein (which is 16'x16'):

View attachment 3030171

Did you intend the run to have a solid roof or just netting?

If you feel that you really have to have plans to work from, consider looking for carport or picnic pavillion plans.

Gorgeous coop, but that wouldn't work in Indy.
She's going to deal with wind, freezing cold, heavy wet snow, hail, extreme heat, and humidity.

THe open air Woods Coop, or one of the other secure plans that you just scale up, would be a better option in her area.

 

[WthrLady]

Wonder how the op made out with all this?

I am here and online searching out DIY coop instructions for: sloped roof (whatever that is called); no run needed, ours will free range, BUT large enough for 30 chickens!

Wood Coop or a Kansas Coop