Need to build a coop/run. Looking for help

[SummerLynn]

Hi all
So see my intro for specifics but I have 16 baby chicks growing up as we speak, and while they grow I need to get a home built for them.

I've been lookin at the pre-made ones on line and wondering if its easily and same price ish to just order something?

But whether i build or buy I need to learn some things first.

My hope: I want a coop where they'll be comfy and is easy to clean, and of course will lay some eggs. I intend to let em free to forage the majority of the time, but would like an attached run for times when i cant let them out, like when I'm gone on vacation this summer.

Teach me that ways?

 

[jthornton]

All pre-made coops lie about capacity so beware of that. Chicks grow like weeds! Your best bet is to make a hoop coop using cattle panels, quick and easy to build.

Please add your location to your profile, answers differ depending on location.

JT

 

[SummerLynn]

All pre-made coops lie about capacity so beware of that. Chicks grow like weeds! Your best bet is to make a hoop coop using cattle panels, quick and easy to build.

Please add your location to your profile, answers differ depending on location.

JT

yes sir. done

 

[SummerLynn]

whats a hoop coop?

 

[jthornton]

After searching for a while I finally found a sane example of a simple cattle panel (hoop) coop. Only use zip ties for temporary connections, use twisted wire or metal ties for connections. That example may lack some structure needed in the northern states to support the snow load.

JT

 

[SummerLynn]

hrm ok i admire the simplicity of it.... but, will the chickens be happy? That sounds dumb even as I type it, but I'm wondering where they roost and lay their eggs in that? Are they not as particular as I am imagining?

 

[X_and_Z]

You are in luck - someone just recently posted their hoop coop in articles:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/ms-biddys-cattle-panel-hoop-coop.73755/

There are tons of other examples though. Browse through the coops here for more ideas:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/category/chicken-coops.12/

Typical suggested minimums are 4sqft per chicken in the coop (excluding nest boxes) and 10sqft per chicken in the run. If they will be cooped up in the run/coop due to weather or your schedule you will likely need much more than the minimums.

 

[jthornton]

hrm ok i admire the simplicity of it.... but, will the chickens be happy? That sounds dumb even as I type it, but I'm wondering where they roost and lay their eggs in that? Are they not as particular as I am imagining?

Chickens need a draft free well ventilated place to roost that is higher up than the nest box, a safe place to lay eggs, room to get away from bullies, food/water and protection from predators. A hoop coop provides a very fast way to get a shelter up and set up everything needed.

JT

 

[aart]

ou are in luck - someone just recently posted their hoop coop in articles:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/ms-biddys-cattle-panel-hoop-coop.73755/

That's a pretty nice one...but...with a some digging I discover that it's in California.
Central Pennsylvania is a way different climate.

For 16 birds I wouldn't go smaller than a 100sqft for the coop in winter...
...unless you've got a large and weather proof run(solid roof and wind/snow blocked walls).

 

[SummerLynn]

I think I can do this.....its going to be one heck of a learning curve but i'll figure it out.