My huge portable coop is done!

[StrawberryMoon]

I really wanted a portable coop and run setup that would accommodate at least 12 LF chickens. I started with the "chickshaw" plans from Abundant Permaculture, but based on feedback I received from this forum I modified the design heavily. I doubled the size, reinforced the ceiling and plastic walls with 1/2" hardware cloth, made the floor from plywood instead of hardware cloth to protect their feet, and added proper roosts and outboard nesting boxes on both sides (nesting box designs were from "the garden coop" free plans). It's not nearly as lightweight as the "chickshaw" but DH and I can pull it as a team just fine. 64 sqft of floor space. It's surrounded by Premier 1 PermaNet electric fencing, and I will add a portable bird netting aviary shortly! When they grow, I'll expand the run space with another roll of fence. I still have more decorating to do, and I wasn't happy with that safety hasp closure (it allowed the door to open a couple of inches even while locked) so I'll be replacing that with something else tonight. Meanwhile I just screwed the doors shut to keep them safe.

 

[SunHwaKwon]

Really pretty and great ventilation! Do you get snow where you are?

 

[StrawberryMoon]

Really pretty and great ventilation! Do you get snow where you are?

Thanks! The back wall is also removable, so they can have lots of airflow on hot days. We get a little snow where we are, but usually not more than a couple inches. It can get pretty cold though (-10 F occasionally).

 

[SunHwaKwon]

Ah you should be good, then. I have an issue with snow blowing into the high side of my shed style roof, but being that yours is portable you can always turn it to prevent that.

 

[RonC]

Nice coop. Adding a couple of handles like a big wheel barrow would make it easier to move and serve as an outside roost during the day. Or make them removable.