New Coop Questions

[frjeff]

I am finally ready to begin building a coop and will be building it inside a lean-to, enclosed shed on the back of my garage (about 10'x24').

I want to build a walk-in coop approx. 4'x8' for five hens. Too big, or OK?

The shed is just a dirt floor, so I'll biuld the floor a step up from the soil, on patio blocks.
If I make the coop full height of the shed (7'-8'), the coop would be approx. 256 cu ft. Will the gals be warm enough inside in my Northern MI winters?

If I were to locate the coop on the garage wall, there would be about 2' from the rear wall where the hens will exit the coop to the pen. Could I enclose (tube) the ramp or will they not want to travel through a 2' tube?

Appreciate all tips

Jeff

 

[fried green eggs]

4x8 is big enough for 5-6 hens, Make it draft-free but, with vents for fresh air. If it is draft-free and you buy cold hardy breeds they will do fine. I think a tube large enough so they can walk through with room to spare they won't mine doing. Lots of great info on this site to help you build your coop from roost size and spacing for each bird. Ideas for poop boards and waterers and feeders

 

[chfite]

If the coop is not drafty, the chickens can keep warm with their fabulous down comforters.

There is more than one member in Alaska with no insulation in the coops.

I believe heat is more of a problem than cold.

Chris