My Coop design

[JudyMcKinn]

Looks great. I agree that the weight would be more evenly distributed if the wheels were more centered, however, with this design, I believe he is correct that they need to be where they are, as you can see he has the floor of the coop part off the ground, which is why the wheels doen't hold the whole pen bottom edges off the ground, so predators can't get in. If the wheels were moved back, they would hold his frame of the pen off the ground.
Looking forward to pictures. Good Luck.

 

[McGoo]

Matt,
Looks really nice and pretty similar in style to the one my dh is building. Here are a couple of pictures... not the same roof, but the same concept.

We have this brain-storm idea for portability - we got it from a bike trailer that we have... We're going to put a metal rod across the base of the back of the coop - the heavier side, and when we're planning to move the coop we'll push the wheels around the metal bar - like a sleeve and lock with a pin/lock system. I can take photos of the bike trailer set up if you're interested.

Since we are not planning to move the coop daily, we think that this might be a good idea. Would really like your advice.

We also designed it so the entire back opens for easy cleaning.

 

[Flufnstuffs~FluffySilkies]

WOW - I am very impressed.
Keep the pictures coming.

 

[WoodlandWoman]

Judy, I think I see what you mean. I don't mean to move the wheels toward the center of the entire structure, which would place them under the run/pen, just to move them toward the center of the house/coop. The house will be where most of the weight is. The axle would still be under the raised portion. I hope that explains it better.

McGoo, that is a good looking coop!

 

[BirdBrain]

McGoo,
I hope you continue to take pictures and post them in the coop section also. That is a terrific design. I especially like that the complete back opens for cleaning. How tall is the run...can you stand up completely when you go in there?

 

[ncgnance]

sorry that ain't right

 

[ncgnance]

This is a picture of what I came up with for a coop for our 5 week old biddies. I started with a swing set I made for my granddaughter when she was 2 years old. She is 9 now.

I took the slide off, added so framing for the polyurethane and plastic wiring and the door. I put the house part under the platform that was for the slide.
Since this picture was taken I've added a drop-down top board on the front for cleaning out. The 'roof' of the house makes a real good place to put supplies like food and pine shavings.

And these are why I went to all this trouble. Actually, it was fun to figure out what to do next, and a whole lot easier than starting from scratch.

 

[Mark]

Very cool design.

Quote:
I agree with WoodlandWoman. I've got something similar, and found the midpoint wheel location useful. I've designed the tractor so it is easy to move the axle back and forth in search of the right balance point.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=9433&p=1

Also, you might want to consider bigger wheels. The larger the wheel diameter, the easier it is to get over dips and bumps.

I would have loved to used welded aluminum, but thought it too difficult to master welding. Are you going to do the welding yourself?

Finally, I can't help but ask: What CAD program did you use?

Mark

 

[scimo]

Thanks for all the feedback.

You might consider moving the wheels forward, to the middle of the house.

I originally had the wheels designed in the middle, but figured that coop is so light (about 25 pounds without the wire mesh) that I would move them forward to maneuver over bumps more easily (more clearance).

How many chickens will you house in it?

I plan on housing 4 chickens. I bought 6 chicks about 5 weeks ago. If none of the chickens turn out to be roosters, I don't know how I am going to choose. It reminds me of the movie "Sophie's Choice."

You might also want to consider having the nest boxes a little lower and the roosts a little higher, as they like to sleep in the highest spot. Otherwise, they might try to sleep in the nest boxes.

Good point. I raised the roost. See attached picture.

I would add some more support in the center of both long sides of the run so when you move it it will be less likely to twist and weeken.

I welded most of the frame this weekend. See attached pictures. It seems to be rigid enough, though I might add more support in the center as you suggested. If a heavy animal climbed on top, it might buckle.

The wheels in the picture are just propped up for the picture. I still have to weld the axle mounts.

Have you thought about where you might want to put your access doors, yet? Like for cleaning the litter, gathering eggs, giving them food and water or possibly letting them out of the run occasionally?

I am going to have an access doors at the far ends. One for the run and one for the coop. The door will take up the entire sides (3'X3.5'). I welded guides for an optional dropping tray. I will have a hinged door on the side panel for collecting eggs. As far as food and water, I plan on designing a feeder and waterer on the side door. They will feed through the side so I will not have to open the door to add food or water.

cover the nest boxes with a pitched top to keep them from roosting on the boxes.

I now have the nest box going all the way up to the ceiling. By the way, I reduced the nest boxes from two to one.

Since we are not planning to move the coop daily, we think that this might be a good idea. Would really like your advice.

McGoo, check out the following at Harbor Freight. You might be able to use the removable 20" wheel assemble and have a cargo carrier as an extra. Your coop looks great!

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=2915

Also, you might want to consider bigger wheels. The larger the wheel diameter, the easier it is to get over dips and bumps.

I already bought the wheels. Hopefully, they will be large enough. http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=40729

I would have loved to used welded aluminum, but thought it too difficult to master welding. Are you going to do the welding yourself

This is my first welding project. I am using a Miller Dynasty 200 TIG welder I bought used. I am not very good, but good enough for a chicken coop!

Finally, I can't help but ask: What CAD program did you use?

I am using SolidWorks. I am a terrible drawer, so cad is invaluable to me.​

 

[JudyMcKinn]

Looks great. Just a thought. Inside the coop will be dark and hot, probably, if you summers are like our MO ones. On my coops, I have incorporated a sliding glass window (found at garage sales, etc) so the glass will let in light in winter, and they may not want to go into the dark to lay, eat, etc. in summer. Slide the window open for fresh air inside, for some circulation between the window and the little door. Put a little piece of 1/2 X 1/2 welded wire over the window opening so predators can't tear thru the screen wire that will probably already be on the window.
Or, with a small coop, just a small framed piece of glass, with board tracks to slide it open and shut, and wire over the hole when it is open, would work fine.
You have drawn fantastic plans. I am wondering how you are going to build that roof so it doesn't leak? I am lucky to get a slanted roof on. LOL