My coop! Please rate it 1-10. Suggestion and advice wanted! First time Chicken Coop builder! :)

[RWD]

Nobody will ever accuse the people on this forum of "giving everybody a trophy". Never ask what they think of what you built because they will tell you. That being said, styrafoam needs to go, double the chicken wire, everything else will work for now. Chickens are very easy to raise, and can thrive in many different situations. Enjoy your endeavor and learn as you go. Your chickens will do great with food, water, minimal shelter, and a caring owner. Good luck, and enjoy the eggs.

 

[happybooker1]

I have CLEAN cat litter boxes on the floor of my coop. My hens use the boxes on the floor or (most likely) the floor itself. I wouldn't worry about the nest boxes right now.

I agree STRONGLY that you need more ventilation. I agree with TCSTOEHR -- cut a rectangle in a couple of opposite walls, hinge the rectangle to make "shutters", and cover the opening with hardware cloth. I stapled mine to the inside of the coop & it's held up well for 2 years now. Use some kind of bolt or sturdy fastener to shut the windows entirely when it's cold. Your coop still won't be airtight -- nor should it! Lots of airflow will do more for keeping the chickens healthy than the cold air will.

Ditch the styrefoam & the heat lamp, unless it will be VERY cold (like 10 degrees F or colder). Also, what kinds of predators will you/do you have to deal with?

 

[Spicy]

I'm working on a coop too. I basically have the floor done, and I swear I'm working on the drawings every night to alter something that someone said is wrong, needs more, or change the height. The way I'm looking at it, we all have to start some where. Good luck.