Need advice on coop build, plan b

[Chickiechickieboomboom]

I am hoping to increase my flock to 12 hens this fall. So, I will need to build a bigger coop than what I have now. I posted last week with my plan A idea, and it was suggested I consider something else. So, here is my plan b -

It is 50 sq ft, so 4 sq ft per bird. 8' tall. I would modify it to have 2 of these windows -

I was also thinking of not having any siding on a 10' x 15" area on the back wall (but I would enclose it with hardware cloth). You can see here that the area (marked in red) is up high, about 7' up, so well above their roosting area -

I would add nesting boxes on the outside with a hinged roof, and a non-functional window in the door to let in more light.

My biggest concern right now is that the area I want to use for ventilation will let rain and snow in on windy days. That side of the shed will have a 12" roof overhang, and it's facing west (I don't know if that matters). The back side will be up against my deck, so that may help?

Does this sound like a good plan? I'm in shock at the cost estimate (I'm at $1050 for materials, and that's before the tools I'll have to buy) but I want the hens to be happy. I'm in Massachusetts, btw. Thanks!

 

[Cryss]

It is 50 sq ft, so 12 ft per bird. 8' tall. I would modify it to have 2 of these windows -

So you will only have 4 birds? I thought you said 12 birds!

EDIT: Wait, I think you meant to say 50sqft, so 4ft per bird. You just said it backwards.

 

[Chickiechickieboomboom]

So you will only have 4 birds? I thought you said 12 birds!

EDIT: Wait, I think you meant to say 50sqft, so 4ft per bird. You just said it backwards.

Yes, sorry I misspoke! I will edit that now

 

[CindyinSD]

That size would give you 4 sq ft per bird. I would build bigger since you (and I) are in cold country and birds may be confined to the coop for long periods. Unless you can give them a covered, sheltered run, consider more space. Ideally I’d like to see 10 sq ft per large fowl chicken for my own birds.

Maybe you could give them the deck to run around underneath, during snow days. A bit of temporary fencing could keep them there and later be removed for summer.

It‘s best to face the coop door south or east if possible. Because of my topography, my prevailing winds come from the north and I face all my farm buildings south.

Look around for prebuilt sheds. They can sometimes be cheaper than building for yourself. There’s a lumberyard near us that builds them every spring/summer with extra lumber from their construction jobs. Because it’s surplus, they build and sell for a very good price. We got one for tools—it’s better than we could have done for the money, plus we didn’t have to build it.

 

[Cryss]

I think your plans are pretty good! I know what you mean about the snow and rain coming into the vents. If you make an overhang it could act as a baffle.

 

[Cryss]

Sorry my drawing is rough. Maybe even add a piece on either end of my drawing for protection from those angles.

 

[Chickiechickieboomboom]

That size would give you 4 sq ft per bird. I would build bigger since you (and I) are in cold country and birds may be confined to the coop for long periods. Unless you can give them a covered, sheltered run, consider more space. Ideally I’d like to see 10 sq ft per large fowl chicken for my own birds.

Maybe you could give them the deck to run around underneath, during snow days. A bit of temporary fencing could keep them there and later be removed for summer.

It‘s best to face the coop door south or east if possible. Because of my topography, my prevailing winds come from the north and I face all my farm buildings south.

Look around for prebuilt sheds. They can sometimes be cheaper than building for yourself. There’s a lumberyard near us that builds them every spring/summer with extra lumber from their construction jobs. Because it’s surplus, they build and sell for a very good price. We got one for tools—it’s better than we could have done for the money, plus we didn’t have to build it.

I will look for pre-made alternatives, thanks for the suggestion!

I have actually enclosed the underside of the deck with lattice already (the picture in the post is old), so the birds have plenty of covered shelter on rainy or snowy days. I added metal roofing to the underside of the deck so it stays pretty dry. This was my first winter with hens and it's been very mild, so they haven't been confined for more than a day or so during a couple storms.

 

[CindyinSD]

Sounds good. Our winter last year was awful--worst I can remember. So far this year hasn’t been too bad though it did start way too early. Here’s hoping it will be good enough to leave us early, too!

 

[Tortoise]

Have you considered a plastic/resin prefabbed shed? You can get some good sized ones for 1000 or less.

 

[rosemarythyme]

My biggest concern right now is that the area I want to use for ventilation will let rain and snow in on windy days. That side of the shed will have a 12" roof overhang, and it's facing west (I don't know if that matters). The back side will be up against my deck, so that may help?

As I don't know your wind patterns, facing that opening west may or may not be ok - if you have a predominant wind direction, best to put as few as possible openings facing that direction(s) (or louver or baffle them to protect them). Cryss has a very good idea for putting in a baffle, which could be a fixed piece or made to open and close.

Overall the design looks pretty good to me!