Need some help with planning a new coop...

[mkhenderson17]

Alright, So I want to build a new coop and I am kinda stuck on a few ideas. I want a coop that can handle between 15 to 25 chickens (standards). (currently I have about 18, I cant remember and exact number since we have sold some roosters and put some bantam roos in) I currently have a 8x8 shed. I want to have more square foot for the hens and roos. they have a large pen outside with plenty of room but in the winter or when it is raining they do not like to leave the coop and I want something bigger.
So here are my questions. I was thinking about building a wooden one I think.

Is it better to build a shed/coop or buy a pre-made one?

Do steel sheds work or do they get too hot in the summer?

How many square foot should be per chicken?

What are good dimensions for 15-25hens?

 

[ARose4Heaven]

Check out the coop designs page...link at top of this page.

1. If you have the money, buying a premade can be faster. Building yourself is more fun, and you get to custom design it to your yard.

2. Steel sheds are not recommended. They do not breathe in the winter, and humidity builds up. They are little ovens in the summer.

3. I prefer 4 sq feet per bird in the coop plus a run at least twice that size.

Do a search here on BYC... you will find a LOT of coop ideas.

Welcome to BYC.

 

[mkhenderson17]

Alright thanks! I totally forgot BYC has coop designs on here!! Thanks for the input on the footage for birds, My run gives 20 head, 9square foot per bird and usually they get to run in my horse fields.

thanks!

 

[teach1rusl]

Building your own will be a lot more cost effective, but more work too obviously. And of course you'd need to have some carpentry skills for something that large, and plenty of time. If I had the money, I'd prefer to buy and remodel a pre-made wooden shed myself. Going by the maximum number of chickens you mentioned, you'd want at least a 10 x 10 shed, or some other layout of 100 sq. feet. For 15 hens, an 8x8 would be enough. Based on your original post, it sounds as if you get winter temps. and snow. If so, then going with even more than the 4 sq. ft. per bird of housing is preferable...the more space the better when it comes to chickens. Personally, I wouldn't go less than 10 sq. ft of run space per bird, although that won't matter if they're free ranging most of the day. Good luck!

 

[farmer_lew]

I prefer to design/build my own. Sure, buying a premade one is quicker and cheaper (depending), but I personally love building things. The ability to design the coop to fit your particular needs, space restrictions, etc is priceless.

For 25 birds, I'd say a minimum of 100 square feet (10 x 10). That would give each bird 4 square feet inside. 6 foot walls with a gable roof would give you 8.5 feet, vertically, at the peak (based on a 6:12 roof pitch). That is plenty for you to walk around inside, even put a sheet of plywood across the ceiling joists for "attic" storage space.

As far as time is concerned, a few days (maybe two full weekends) should be adequate once you have all the materials and tools gathered.