New Coop for a New Flock

[JoshnAmiee]

So here is the idea.... I am going to be building a brand new coop for my brand new flock. It will be 4'w X 4'd X 6't sloped to 5' for water run off. I intend on building the frame with 2x3 whitewood studs & recycled particled board from work. The particle board will be used for the sheathing, and I intend on putting Cedar Slats for Siding, and a "actual" roof of tar tiles or tar paper. The color scheme that she wants is "barnesqe" with a red stain on cedar and a white wash for trim.

Inside there will be three levels with 8 nests, a 2' x 4' upper landing. 6' of ramp inside with a 1x1 landing halfway as it turns. There is going to be flip up doors to access the eggs and upper level, and a drop down door 2 1/2' x 2 1/2' for access for us to clean. I also intend on providing a full length roost in the "rafter area", and a 16"x12" entry doors for the chickens.

It is going to rest on a frame constructed of pressure treated 2x6's & a couple 4x4's to elevate the coop from the ground by 20". We are also going to be custom building a 9 spot watering system & spill proof feed system (both with outside access to top off) build from my ideas after cruising the DIY threads.

I know this sounds like a lot, but after 10 years in construction, I have a fairly clear picture in my head; I just cannot for the life of me put it to paper. I have already stockpiled the particle board & purchased the 2x3 (25 of them for $40). I also bought screws for fasteners, as we intend this to last 20+ years.

If I manage to put my ideas to paper, I will be sure to throw them on here. I intend on beginning this weekend so wish me luck

I will be sure to keep you all updated with pictures as I take them... once I get going, I get going

**edited because I forgot how to spell**

 

[katbriar]

4x4 but 8 nest boxes? How many chickens do you expect to share this space? 6 feet tall but three levels with all those ramps? Sounds really crowded.

 

[JoshnAmiee]

I have been thinking of the crowding issue, the ramps wont be a necessity as the could jump no problem... the nest boxes will be 12x12.... just the thoughts in my head.. more than likely; my design will change while I am building it. I intend on having a fenced in run that it is 30' long x 20' wide with a bird cover (we have Bald Eagles around here quite often. The flock will be 3 BO, 2RIR, 2 BPR, 2 BSL & my "Mystery Chick" (popular opinion is that it is a Partridge Rock, but we will see

The most important part is that they will be able to free range during the day light hours, outside the run, and when it gets cold, I can contain them inside with a heat lamp...

Its hard when you have a million ideas, but can only build one

 

[katbriar]

So sounds like you have 10 large fowl in 16 sq feet of space which isn't any extra Space. if you can, consider building something that has enough room for them to be content if they have to be closed up in it because inclimate weather will force you to keep them in at some point.

You'll all be happier with that arrangement!

 

[JoshnAmiee]

That sound like an outstanding suggestion!! Thank you... my other question, for anyone reading, but particularly for katbriar; as you seem quite a bit more knowledgeable than I am..

I know roosting space does not constitute any bit of square footage, but would the addition of floor space in the additional levels count toward the square footage (not including the nesting space)? I understand that I should build it bigger and that will be taken into account. I appreciate your input, and hope I have not come across as snooty or anything, merely inquiring to expand my knowledge base

Perhaps 5x5 for 25 sq', plus a level of 2x5 for 10 sq'.... puts us at 35 sq'... 3.5' per fowl, but if this mystery chick is a cockerel, I will have to find another home for him.

 

[katbriar]

You haven't come across that way at all. And I can say anything I think I know About chickens I learned on this site! Just keeping it moving forward.

Most people will tell you that coop space is barely enough at two sq feet per bird but four is better and "run" space is good at 10 sq feet per bird (large fowl). They'll also tell you that the more space you can build the fewer problems you'll have with bullying, feather picking, and moisture build up that can lead to frost bite, respiratory illness, stinky coop!

So if you think you'll ever have to keep them inside because of terrible weather or if you want to travel and your neighbor might take a couple of hours after sunrise to get over and let your girls out build as big as possible.

I don't know that I'd count a 2x5 space because its pretty narrow. A chicken might roost on it, but not be able to be really active (scratching and doing all the things awake chickens love to do) on it.

 

[JoshnAmiee]

That all makes sense. Thank you for your input!!!... I have been pouring over these threads for days now haha... my biggest concern was getting flamed because somebody thought I had an attitude. those mentalities are everywhere unfortunately.

Back to chickens, I may have to double my coupe size

been looking for a good reason, and I think now I have the persuasive element to boot

 

[jetdog]

I think you should consider making it a giant box with the whole thing a wide open space on the inside not a maze of ramps and platforms, it would give you more roost space and more of an open feel, if you build external laying boxes lower than the roost it won't affect your square footage. Probably a lot easier to clean also.

 

[CrazyChickGirl]

We have 6 chickens and we made our coop about 3 1/2 X 8. I wish we would have made it a little wider, honestly. I like the box idea!

 

[21hens-incharge]

I have a small 4x4 coop. I keep 3 hens in it that could not cope with the bossy leghorn in the main group. It is still to small for even just them. I ended up putting a rabbit feeder on the clean out door to free up what space I could.
I am wondering around on here to get ideas myself since DH wants to build a whole new set up for the girls. What he has planned would cost about 4 grand.

I need to keep him in check lol.
I have found that my girls will hang out inside if it is raining or snowing.