Need help/suggestions on building a BASIC coop

[Tala]

Quote:
It should be the highest thing in the coop. That's all.
Mostly they need enough head space above it so they aren't squished,
plus airspace above their heads for the ventilation to circulate in the winter time (my coop tractor's gable vents are just barely high enough, but it hasn't been an issue)
Plus enough "launch pad" space below to be able to fly up to it. By the time my rooster was full size he had trouble getting up on the roost in my chicken tractor due to his wingspan being too wide. THAT's one thing I didn't foresee when building.

 

[bnew17]

I got ya. Is there anything in perticular i should have on the ground. Hay? Dirt? And what should i use in their bedding and laying area?

 

[Tala]

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I like pine pellets. The kind sold for horse bedding. Some people like pine chips.

Straw gets messy too fast, and cedar's aromatic oils aren't good for the birds to breathe in.

Some people use sand in the run. You can rake/sift it and it doesn't get as muddy in the rain like plain old dirt does.

 

[ILOVEFRIZZLES]

go ahead and make it big. 4 how many of us have said that. Those darn chicken grown on us and before you now it you have more egg than your whole family can egg lol

good luck on your new chicks and coop. Maybe we can get meet sometime at one of the swaps and talk chickens. Love from Ga

 

[bnew17]

If i decide to do a coop "tractor" ... is there a certain type wheel/tire that i should get? Im guessing one that inflates as opposed to a basic "cart wheel"

 

[Dread Pirate Roberts]

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Yeah, a nice big inflatable type would be ideal...the heaviest-duty ones you are willing to buy. So many chicken tractors wind up with busted wheels and/or bent axles because they're the weakest link and potentially the most expensive part of the whole project.

 

[bnew17]

Thank yal alot for all the information so far! I really appreicate it.

 

[kota1369]

This here is a hoop house over a 4x8' raised garden bed. At the far end there is a 2x3 insulated dog house for their coop. This whole outfit cost me less then $100.00 And you have their poo in your garden and they will till it up for you to. Add about 4 inches of leaves and they will grind it into the soil in a week or so. If you want more pics let me know and I will try to take more.


The lady with 4 dogs and 4 city chickens

 

[onedoodle3]

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WOW! And here I have been freaking out trying to figure out how to build my coop and what I needed to have for my chickens. My father has been picking on me calling my chicken coop (that has not been built yet!!) a mansion. He asked me today if I was gonna put in central heat and air for the birds. I told him I was 42 and if I wanted a chicken coop with central air and heat, I'd build it.

It is nice to see I don't have to build an elaborate coop. I like what you have done!!

 

[Mahonri]

You can always start out with a tractor, and that's an excellent idea, but I would also build a basic coop that you could house at least 12-16 birds in.

you won't regret doing that.