Need Coop Sugestions please!!!

[Bec]

Hello all!!

Of course, just like most of you here, I have become addicted!!
I am thinking of building a bigger coop but haven;t the slightest clue where to start..this is where you all will come in...

I need to know what the best materials for building a coop are? I need something that will be inexpensive , but will also keep them warm in the winter, cool in the summer. Would particle board work??? I would want to built one that could accomodate 10-12 standard sized chickens. I now have 7 in a 4 1/2 x 6 house...which is a bit small but they have all have plenty of room to roost, nest and scratch around on the floor. They have a nice 16 x 10 run, but are rarely in in, they free range most of the day. How big would they need and what do you think the cost would be if I was to stick to a strict budget?

 

[LoneCowboy]

Your current coop is fine for the number of chickens you have. It also depends on what type of chickens you have. Heavy breeds require 4 sq ft per bird. 3 sq ft for reg breeds, and 2 for bantam. one of my coops is a 6 foot by 8 foot coop and will handle 12 birds.

Particle board or wafer board is fine, but you don't want it exposed to the elements. I'd get that siding board that has a wood look embossed into it and it's pre-primed for you. The make it 2X2 construction and add insulation in the walls. You might have to pull it apart if it's thick insulation. Wear long sleeves and gloves, dust mast is good too, then do an inside wall of wafer board or whatever is cheap.

What kind of floor will this coop have?

 

[Bec]

I have no idea about the floor....I am still in the thinking stage.... Would the whole thing be better up on stilts or down on the ground???

 

[FutureChickenMan]

Quote:
Stay away from particle board. If you're going to use any kind of wood that isn't solid or a good grade plywood, use O.S.B. (oriented strand board) also known as "chip board". You can get this at most home centers relatively cheap. Just be sure to put 3 or more coats of good exterior paint on any areas that would/could be exposed to moisture. Make sure to caulk the joints so water doesn't get in there.

As for size, a general rule is 2 sq feet per bird in the coop. So a 4x8 coop should serve well. Wich is great because plywood is in 4x8 sheets wich means less cutting/waste.

 

[LoneCowboy]

Well, 2 sq feet for bantams anyway per Storey's Guide to Raising Chickens and every other guide I've read. People tend to scrunch birds in too small of spaces. so be sure to give them plenty of space.

If you don't have cement, I'd use wood and raise it up about a foot. I'd stay away from particle board too, but that just a general rule for me.