Need coop suggestions for future plans

[LittleMissCountry]

So we bought a prefab coop, because as I stated in an earlier post, we have an HOA and anything new construction has to be approved and is a 3 month process. I know the prefab won't last for a long time, and honestly, I want something bigger for a permanent coop anyway. So I am planning ahead and will go through the process of submitting plans to the HOA architecture review team for a future coop so we can take our time on it.

I have been looking at ideas on here, and there are great ones, but it is overwhelming to someone new to chickens! I need some suggestions.
Here are the requirements:
1. Needs to fit up to six chickens, which is the max we would get. We have 4 now. No bigger than that.
2. Must have shingled roof, per HOA requirements
3. Needs a run attached. We can't free range unless I am home.

Our ground is mostly sand and clay, and we get a lot of rain, hot and humid in summer, but winter doesn't get too cold (lows in upper teens, mid 20's).

Any suggestions would be great! I don't want to spend a lot of money building and make tons of mistakes that I didn't even realize were mistakes!

 

[lazy gardener]

Do you need a storage shed? If so, and if I was dealing with a HOA, (even if not) I might consider building a single building which would be divided into coop, storage shed, and have an attached run. You might also look at the Woods open air style coop. Could you get around the permit issue by building a tractor? I would build the coop walk in style, a minimum of 32 s.f. The 4 x 8 foot print would maximize your sq. footage while decreasing the waste of building materials.

 

[jthornton]

The Modern Fresh Air Coop (Woods Coop).

JT

 

[LittleMissCountry]

I like the look of the Woods open air coop!
We probably would use a shed, since right now we store all the gardening and lawn tools in the unfinished basement. I don't know if we will ever finish the basement or not, but it would be nice to put those outside. So that is an option, too.
Just out of curiosity, if anyone knows, it is better or cheaper to buy one of those ready made sheds, or build one? I think we would still have to get approval on the shed if we bought one, but that isn't an issue. I don't think we will have too much trouble with getting approval if we make sure we follow proper channels and we have plenty of time. It will also give us time for our privacy shrubs and trees to grow.

 

[LittleMissCountry]

Plus, my DH was just asked to be on the architect review team, so maybe he can get some changes made on some of the HOA rules. I don't think the HOA knows what they are in for.

 

[LittleMissCountry]

Could you get around the permit issue by building a tractor? .

This was our original intention because we wanted to have the chickens fertilize the yard, but when we asked, they said this counted as a "temporary structure" and was prohibited unless it was approved as being aesthetically pleasing, which is doubtful. When we read the bylaws before buying, we had read temporary structures as dumpsters, construction equipment, etc...things needed temporarily for a specific purpose.

 

[lazy gardener]

a TRACTOR is a temporary structure designed for a specific purpose.

 

[LittleMissCountry]

a TRACTOR is a temporary structure designed for a specific purpose.

Yep, which makes it prohibited unless approved as aesthetically pleasing. Honestly not that big of a deal, though. We do have a portable run, just not the coop part attached. It doesn't really show up, so no one complains. It serves the same purpose.

 

[lazy gardener]

I can see it now. Turn a dumpster into a chicken coop, and tie a yellow ribbon on it!

 

[aart]

Just out of curiosity, if anyone knows, it is better or cheaper to buy one of those ready made sheds, or build one?

It might be cheaper, but it wouldn't necessarily be better.
Biggest downside to premade sheds is they don't have good ventilation, nor do they have decent roof overhangs to protect added windows and ventilation.

People get sick of hearing me say "add big(12-18") roof overhangs all the way around with open soffits(covered by HC)"... but it really is one of the best ways to ventilate(in conjunction with gable and/or ridge vents) and protect open windows(top hinged, of course) in summer. I'm not much for paint and cutesy coop decor, but the roof overhangs make a building look better and function better, IMO.