New coop ideas PLEASE!!!!

[maizy'smom]

I know you said you are in Utah, but not specifically if you were in a rural area, or suburb or just what. I would gently suggest that you research any local ordinances, just in case there are regulations, BEFORE you spend time or money or just your hopes on something that ends up having to be undone. We are in a suburban area and we are legal, but the township inspector was mostly concerned with placement on the property; like distance from property lines, distance from other structures, etc. It wasn't so much a question of being allowed to have chickens as much as having to move the structure (not fun) if it was built in the wrong place. It is a fun and exciting undertaking. Know what your parameters are before you start.

And DO make it bigger than you think you will need. Chicken math sets in amazingly quickly!

mm

 

[sgtmom52]

Quote:

and electric!

 

[Judy]

I would not build smaller than an 8x8 walkin, and I would build it with a roof that slants all to one side, as it is so simple not only to build but to vent (on the highest side) and it seems to be very easy to fail to give a safe level of ventilation with many coop designs. 8x8 uses standard lumber sizes very efficiently. I prefer simple, even disposable nest boxes, inside the coop -- plastic bins, 5 gallon jugs and cardboard boxes are all things I have used, or use. Different hens like different nests. If you ever get a broody and have fertile eggs, the easiest way to move her successfully is with her nest.

The above is for cold climates. Where I live, certainly anywhere there is no snow, I would build a three sided shelter with attached secured wire run. Just face it away from the weather and have the roosts where they are out of the wind. For hot weather you may even want to be able to open something and let the breeze go over the roosts.

Ridgerunner's link is a good one, and I will say, I am SO glad I have power and water at the coop.

 

[Tracy the chick]

Put wheels on it so you can move it around. Here is a pic of mine, you cant see wheels very good mind.https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/uploads/104981_charlie_011.jpg

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/uploads/104981_charlie_011.jpg

 

[Felony]

make the nest boxes accesible from outside...and if your chickens are not free ranging, make a big run for them, they like to be outside better then inside...I think if you have a bit of land to move them on the best idea would like tracy the chick said...put wheels on it

also one important think, make sure your run is safe from predator (dig wired mesh under the ground then cover it! or even better build a concrete foundation lip if your coop is not moveable!)

that's my ideas!!

my first present coop is so small and the nest boxes are not accesible from outside, i have to crawl in trough the roosts to check if there's eggs in the boxes hehe...bah not that bad, but one day i'll build a big one and turn this one into a kid's playhouse !

 

[colonel sander]

I agree with the poster above about a 8x8 walkin coop. After building mine I really wish it was bigger and I was able to walk inside of it. After dealing with my coop for about 6 months now I wish it was bigger and had inside storage for food and bedding. I am not sure where you are at but I am a city dweller and only have 6 hens but more room is always better for me. And last yes power and water a must if you can do it. I only have power to mine but would love to have water someday.

 

[darkmatter]

Quote:
Hah!----perfect coop-----See my BYC page for pics of my setup-------there is no better coop design/function for a backyard flock. (beats chest loudly while screaming)

 

[Elite Silkies]

This is my new coop/runs in progress.

 

[sgtmom52]

on the walking in coop.

Both of my coops are walk-in with inside nest boxes. I have to go inside to open the pop holes and collect eggs which gives me a chance to visit with my chickens and keep a closer check on them & their health. I also have food and water inside ~ water only outside. Inside food helps keep birds, chipmunks and squirrels out of it and the inside water doesn't freeze as fast as the outside water does. Outside water is in metal "hog pans". Also inside food and water makes sure that the chickens have access to it if you are late opening up the coop in the morning.