My adaptation of the "Purina" Design

[AlanMc]

I have looked at every coop on this site and several others. I am still confused as to what I should do, but I finally settled on the 4' x 4' Purina coop for it's simplistic details. I am going to make some changes as I didn't like the drop down door on the back and I am moving the nest boxes from the front to the back. I intend to use an automatic door eventually so I am adding a couple extra studs for it. I didn't want the skylight. I am trying out "Ondura" for the roof. It is an asphalt composition. I think it will be cooler than tin and a whole lot lighter than shingles.


I only have sheathing on the 2 sides here and I have cut in my side door (far side). The roofing is just sitting up there for appearance right now. After looking at this picture I realized I had better move it to it's intended spot before doing anything else. It is starting to get heavy.

 

[Jenismyname]

It looks like you have gotten off to a great start. I have been stalking this site for modified purina coop designs. I started mine last weekend. I plan to do a 4X8 design. Good luck!

 

[BellevueOmlet]

It looks great! I like a little pitch to my roof because we get a lot of rain in WA but that is just because we get SO MUCH RAIN.
Do you have the chickens yet?

I like the big opening. That will make cleaning much easier.

 

[AlanMc]

I do have a 3" drop on the roof from front to back. With the big gutter design of the Ondura it should be fine for here in Texas.

i do have my chicks, 8 of them, 4 Buff Orps, 2 Australorps and 2 RIR, all pullets (supposedly). My wife said I got the cart before the horse or rather the chicks before the coop. I figured that would force me to get started on the coop.

 

[Jenismyname]

Do you plan on having a window? How do you plan on your "human" door opening, swing open from side to side?

 

[AlanMc]

Yes the Human door will open to the side. For windows (light/air) I am going to cut a couple of 12" openings and cover in 1/2" wire, then hinge the cutout (make it a door) so I can close it if/when needed, such as during a hurricane. We don't have to worry about the cold so much.

 

[AlanMc]

Well, I got the nest box built and the front panel put on the coop. Cut in the opening for the pop door. Still debating the auto-door but that's a lot of money. Would make vacations easier though. Working out what kind of feeder and waterer I want to use. Need some suitable for long term neglect.

 

[Jenismyname]

Pics pics!

 

[AlanMc]

OK Jen, here are a few pictures...lol.
Right Side corner at front (Pop door and Human Door)

Right side back corner and nest box. (if you can see it, I added a 2x2 to the vertical attachment of the box to the coop on both sides. Made it easier to attach)

left side back corner (8" square ventilation windows covered inside with 1/2" hardware wire) I am going to hinge and hang the cutouts after I frame them.

Nest box inside. I added several frame members (ie: 2x4 at the top to give strength for hinging the outer lid, also 2x2 inside back to floor and sides to floor) This made it easier to attach and gives strength.

 

[blackswamp]

I'm building my coop at this time to. Mine is similar to the Purina design but is 4x6.
How do you like the Ondura roof? I'm thinking I will use the same thing on mine.
Was it easy to install?

Thanks
Jeff