Hey, I am new to the group but have been doing a lot of googling and this site always come up with all the info! I'm looking to build a 6x8 coop on an existing concrete pad but there is so much info out there that I'm hoping I can save going down some wrong paths by getting some advice. I'm wondering if anyone can rough up a plan that takes into consideration their experience?
Coop and area information:
Thank you in advance
Coop and area information:
- I live in Ontario zone 5b.
- Coop size: 6'x8' on a concrete pad.
- # of chickens in the coop: We have about 18 eggs hatching which I know is pushing the sq ft. They are a barnyard blend of cold hardy birds. They may not all hatch which would be sad but help my coop spacing!
- They will be free range.
- I am considering an automatic door to allow them to have the most outdoor time!
- Considering a lean to style roof, low side being on the W and high side on the east. I think this would help reduce the wind and the little bit of sun that does come would be from the east. Also thinking it's easier to roof it since I don't have to worry about a peak. the highest side being 7' since I have a bunch of old 2x4 that are 7'.
- I would like the human door to be on the South side, since that will provide the easiest entry (I think) if I do fence it off. It does mean that the door will be on the closer to the east side since the south side is the angled side.
- I will be adding lots of vents to the S, E, and N side and for the W side I think the only vents will be between the rafters.
- since I'm pushing the sq ft per bird I was thinking on the N side about adding in a 2nd bird story. i.e. 4' above the ground adding a 3'x6' platform. In my head this would add to the sq ft of the coop????
- For feeding, I am looking at doing the 4"PVC pipe feeders and for water using the rent-a-coop in a PVC pipe with a storage tank.
- For simplicity I'm thinking hen houses inside not external ones.
Thank you in advance