New coop ideas

[Clmirabilio92]

I live in florida right now but I will be moving to New york very soon. I was looking at coops online and I just cant find one that I like or trust actually fitting as many chickens as it says it will. I am now looking In to maybe a shed. I have 10 chickens right now, but I will most likely get some more after moving up there, not sure exactly how man . If I wanted to be on the safe side, how big of a shed should I be looking at? I know it needs to have ventilation for moisture to be released out of it, so how does that work in a shed, how would the chickens get up on to their roosts? This will be my first time with my chickens and ducks in the winter and the snow. Just wanna make sure they will be comfortable and safe. Thanks!!

 

[wamtazlady]

Plan on at least 4 square feet per bird in the coop. The run should have about 10 square feet per bird. How large of a shed you will need depends on how many birds you want to have. Figure out the most birds you will be getting and multiply by 4. That is the minimum size you will need. If you think you may get even more than that get a larger shed.

Ventilation is very necessary if you want your birds to stay warm and comfortable during the winter. Remember that a dry chicken is a warm chicken. Might seem strange to be venting out warm but moist air to keep the birds comfortable but that is what you will need to do. I have about 10 square feet of ventilation in my coop built for 12 chickens. The vents are never closed and I live in NW Montana. It would be wise to plan on roofing the run. Many chickens don't like to walk on snow. Roofing the run means the chickens can go out all day every day no matter how much snow or rain there is.

 

[Percheron chick]

I would start by finding out how big a structure you can build without fees, permits and jumping through hoops. If it's 100 sq ft, that's a 10x10 shed. Nice roomy size for inclement weather. I've kept as many as 30 in a similar size with a run and free ranging.

 

[aart]

I know it needs to have ventilation for moisture to be released out of it, so how does that work in a shed, how would the chickens get up on to their roosts?

Big roof overhangs with open soffits will work well in the north, for 24/7/365 ventilation protected from the weather.

Have you already bought the new place in NY?
Do they allow chickens there?
Another thought is moving breeds between states is frowned upon,
for good reason,
look into the regs and health checks needed to do so.

 

[Clmirabilio92]

Thank you! I might just leave the chickens I have here with family and get new chickens up there. I was told the people up there have more hardy breeds bc of the winters.

Big roof overhangs with open soffits will work well in the north, for 24/7/365 ventilation protected from the weather.

Have you already bought the new place in NY?
Do they allow chickens there?
Another thought is moving breeds between states is frowned upon,
for good reason,
look into the regs and health checks needed to do so.

 

[aart]

Thank you! I might just leave the chickens I have here with family and get new chickens up there. I was told the people up there have more hardy breeds bc of the winters.

Might not be a bad idea....will make the big move a lot simpler...and give you time to plan and build a coop 'at your leisure'.

 

[blackdog043]

Thank you! I might just leave the chickens I have here with family and get new chickens up there. I was told the people up there have more hardy breeds bc of the winters.

This would be the best thing to do. Get yourself settled in first, then decide what the needs for the chickens will be. A covered run will keep you from shoveling snow out of it and the chickens will be more willing to go out there. Make sure it will support the snow load or have a roof rake.

 

[Clmirabilio92]

Decided I'm definitely going to part with my babies and get new babies up north after I figure everything out . Thanks for the advice! Now to figure out coops still

 

[blackdog043]

Now to figure out coops still

If your still thinking of a shed, I would go at least 10 x 10.
This is how I have my 8 x 12 coop set up inside. Poop board is along the back wall.

 

[jreardon1918]

8x12 is a good size for building. The lengths work out for purchasing the lumber. And for some towns (mine), under 100 sq ft requires no permit. so 8x12=96 no permit. 10x10 =100 and requires a permit.