I have looked at a lot of places but have not found what l was looking for. Anyone know where l could find free detailed plans for an 8 x 8 coop. Must be flat roof. I am not able to set up a gabled roof. I would like a floor in it so wife could go inside. Needs something with a senior friendly build.
Need coop plans
- Thread starter 7acres
- Start date
This link takes you to the large coops section under "Articles" above. You might find something you like in there. Many come with plans.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/category/large-coops.20/
Another option for free plans is to go to your library and talk to the librarian about shed plans. You can convert a shed into a coop.
I don't recommend a flat roof. A flat roof will hold water and will eventually leak or rot. It does not have to be gabled just raise one side higher than the other so it slopes. Place your door so rainwater runoff does not hit you as you are going in.
To me a senior friendly build means you don't have to step over a high threshold and you have room to move around inside. If you build steps make then low and wide steps. A ramp might get slippery with bedding or chicken poop. The nests should be high enough you don't have to bend over to gather eggs. The doors and locks should be easy to manipulate with arthritic hands.
Good luck!
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/category/large-coops.20/
Another option for free plans is to go to your library and talk to the librarian about shed plans. You can convert a shed into a coop.
I don't recommend a flat roof. A flat roof will hold water and will eventually leak or rot. It does not have to be gabled just raise one side higher than the other so it slopes. Place your door so rainwater runoff does not hit you as you are going in.
To me a senior friendly build means you don't have to step over a high threshold and you have room to move around inside. If you build steps make then low and wide steps. A ramp might get slippery with bedding or chicken poop. The nests should be high enough you don't have to bend over to gather eggs. The doors and locks should be easy to manipulate with arthritic hands.
Good luck!
- Thread starter
- #3
Thanks. I am thinking sloped roof. Tin roof. Sit on blocks with skids if it has to be moved. Treated floor with vinyl. What about no windows but large openings with hardware cloth and shutters. What type of door? In Texas with high heat. Ventilation suggestions. What predators? Let’s see- owls, hawks, coyotes, coons, possums, dogs, cats, bobcats, skunks, hogs. Thinking about it this old man is probably going to be hiring some building help.
if you go to the expense of hiring help buy a shed at home depot let them put it up problem solved but have them add soffits
Shamo Hybrid
Crowing
- Jun 6, 2018
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Like a ramp? And hand rails too?! JK.
I remember some lady who offered a free chicken coop plan that she posted on this site, some members have used it and it turned out great for them.... you can then modify it a bit to be 'senior friendly' if it doesn't totally suit your needs. Do a search here and you will hopefully find it.
What about no windows but large openings with hardware cloth and shutters.
Should work. Or have a piece of wood hinged at the top so you can push it out and lock it to keep rain out if you don't want shutters.
What type of door?
I'm thinking more of door handles than a specific door. Something easy to grab. In the house I replaced all the round door knobs with the lever type so I can open them with my elbow instead of hand if I need to. Something you don't have to grab but can maybe push with your palm.
In Texas with high heat. Ventilation suggestions.
Build a roof with overhang. You will probably use 2x4's or 2x6's as rafters. Leave the top of the walls open under the overhang to the depth of the rafters and cover that with hardware cloth. That should give you 3-1/2" or 5-1/2" openings along two walls an d the overhang should keep most of the rain and snow out. With your pop door open down low during the day that should cool off nicely during the day.
Thinking about it this old man is probably going to be hiring some building help
This old man just moved and has been doing a lot of that instead of doing it all on my own.
Should work. Or have a piece of wood hinged at the top so you can push it out and lock it to keep rain out if you don't want shutters.
What type of door?
I'm thinking more of door handles than a specific door. Something easy to grab. In the house I replaced all the round door knobs with the lever type so I can open them with my elbow instead of hand if I need to. Something you don't have to grab but can maybe push with your palm.
In Texas with high heat. Ventilation suggestions.
Build a roof with overhang. You will probably use 2x4's or 2x6's as rafters. Leave the top of the walls open under the overhang to the depth of the rafters and cover that with hardware cloth. That should give you 3-1/2" or 5-1/2" openings along two walls an d the overhang should keep most of the rain and snow out. With your pop door open down low during the day that should cool off nicely during the day.
Thinking about it this old man is probably going to be hiring some building help
This old man just moved and has been doing a lot of that instead of doing it all on my own.
We used furniture shipping crates on two coops they where free
put tin roofs on both
put tin roofs on both
Look for shed plans, should give details on how to frame a small building.
Most coops and plans are not well designed for chickens or keepers.
You can modify for chickens.....one thing for sure add larger roof overhangs all around for shade and ventilation protection.
Here's some tips on heights for chicken accouterments:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/coop-stack-up-how-high-stuff-works-well.73427/
Most coops and plans are not well designed for chickens or keepers.
You can modify for chickens.....one thing for sure add larger roof overhangs all around for shade and ventilation protection.
Here's some tips on heights for chicken accouterments:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/coop-stack-up-how-high-stuff-works-well.73427/
- Thread starter
- #9
Thanks for your comments everyone. I am taking them all in consideration. Wife is getting her pulleys Saturday so I had to come up with something quick. So with some scrap tin, old fence panel and evicting my dog to a new location this is what I came up with so far. Roost are limbs off some of my cedars. Pen is 5 x 5. Run is 10 x 10.
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Not sure how old those pullets are but for young chicks it looks great. You'll wind up tweaking it as you go along, we all do. Not bad for something quick.
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