Need ideas for a large coop

[Mvywheels]

Hey guys,

I currently have 17 mixed large breed and as we all know I want more! Put in a order for 20 coming in may, currently the girls are in 3 small coops. Figure I’d get rid of 2 and keep one for, sick or problematic etc. I’m trying to figure out how big to make it or do I order plans or a shed and customize it etc. Any and all ideas are appreciated thank you!

 

[CoopDeVille1986]

You need 4 ft sq per bird. Several ways to go here. how handy are you? Also, where are you located? Much more feedback to come from others for sure!

 

[rosemarythyme]

A shed, whether building one, buying a premade one, or having one made, is probably the way to go. So assuming you're anticipating keeping all 37 birds, going by 4 sq ft per bird that's 148 sq ft of floor space. Depending on layout you might be able to fudge that a little, depending on your climate, the temperament of the flock, etc.

Being realistic - are you planning on getting even more on top of that? If you're thinking you'll add even more, you should build for whatever maximum you're anticipating.

 

[DobieLover]

Yes, can you please update your profile with your general location so it displays with all your posts?
Regardless, it's hard to go wrong with a converted shed. Have a look at the large coop articles for ideas on ventilation and layout. I strongly recommend that you build an attached run as predator proof as the coop so you never have to close the pop door. As soon as the birds come off the roost in the morning, out they go.
I also use poop boards under the roosts, wood chips in the run and have a run that can be winterized so the birds have a draft free place to use during long winters.

 

[aart]

Any and all ideas are appreciated thank you!

Cancel your chick order and spend the summer building a large coop...
...then get more birds.

 

[Mvywheels]

Just updated my info thanks guys, I’m on the vineyard an island off cape cod. If definitely handy I fish commercially offshore so mechanics an carpentry I can handle. More or less I could get a pre made shed from Home Depot or the shed place off island and truck it back on my trailer and modify it. Granted I don’t plan on getting more but I definitely won’t say no on that aspect. We don’t have large predators here so I fenced in a little over a 3/4 of an acre with 8ft heavy chain link and just did the basic proofing in the coops for raccoons an skunks. The biggest issue we have are hawks. Wasn’t sure if there was a basic formula for large coops but you guys have said 4 sqft.

 

[aart]

Wasn’t sure if there was a basic formula for large coops but you guys have said 4 sqft.

That is a decent bare minimum, especially in your kinda climate..
....unless you build a larger than the bare minimum 10sqft per bird run, that is weather and predator proof.

Buying a prefab shed might be good, but things like roof overhangs for eave vents is something you should seriously think about adding.
It might be simpler to build it from scratch if you've got the skills.

 

[Mvywheels]

I definitely could wasn’t sure if that was the right way to go or not, but now that you bring up vents. Probably want to go with scratch, that many in one could get fairly messy fast!