Must have for a coop

[dandrews1971]

If you could add something to your coop as a must have ,what would it be?
We'll soon be building a new coop to house all our newest girls when they integrate with our older ladies. We're building from the ground up so any and all ideas are welcomed.

 

[Naunnie]

What style of coop are you building? We are working on a repurposed building right now, for the Ducks and Guineas. I really appreciate the water and electricity we installed. I am building a small room inside with a door. I call it my office! I will store food grade drums with lids, for feed, pdz, grit and shavings. Also, installing shelves for the extra supplies, a counter for incubator and mini refrigerator. I purchased a utility sink, my son will install this week-end. Still shopping for a small water heater....) I like to keep a "hospital" cage ready, so I will place a small table and chair in the room as well. I wanted the door to keep them out and just in case I need to isolate anyone.

I considered an automatic door opener, but I spend so much time out there anyway, it won't be necessary. Plus, I like being able to lock the door. The baby monitor is a wonderful thing too! )

My brooder is a large dog crate on a stand. It is so convenient having it near all my supplies. I have another large dog crate on the floor for when it's time to introduce the young ones to the older ones.

Good luck with your new coop. I hope some of my ideas are helpful....)

 

[chfite]

Nest boxes that can be opened from the outside.

Placing the coop so that it forms part of the run to avoid having to go into the run to reach the coop.

Plenty of doors on one side of the coop to facilitate reaching inside to clean and such.

Raising the coop off the ground so you don't have to stoop to reach inside.

Plenty of ventilation.

Chris

 

[Naunnie]

I forgot to add the poop boards under the roosts.

Think I'm going to use the shelf with removable trays and build the play pen/jail under it.

 

[dandrews1971]

We are planning on a coop with an attached run. It'll be a few months. Were still in the planning and financing stages. Lol