New coop who dis

[rjg3rjg]

Hey yall! I'm building a new coop and would love suggestions! I have already constructed the frame/exterior other than a few small things and paint, I am now in the process of building the interior. (See photos). It is an 8x16x8 total size. With the back 8x6x8 as the coop itself and the remaining 8x10x8 as the interior run. (Unless yall believe i should add 2 more feet to the coop). I built 2 foot on center for wire and lumber purposes. I have about 100 foot of 4' wire left so I will use it to make an exterior uncovered run to attach to the covered run. (The 2 out of 5 chickens I still have left from last year currently free roam completely. But after losing 3 to a predator Ive decided to go a different route. And obviously upgrading and upsizing!) Just wanted to see how many mixed flock birds I could responsibly fit inside! As well as how I should construct the interior/nesting boxes/roost/storage! If I need to add on I will. We currently have purchased 2 pekins/4 Guinea/3 Maran/3 Easter/1 black colored Maran/ 3 Rhode Islands and of course our 2 older Isa Browns from last year! Let me know what you think! All advice is appreciated! Happy bird season!

 

[StinkyAcres]

Firstly, the chicken wire will only deter predators but will not keep them out.

Second, a mixed flock in a confined space like that is a recipe for trouble. Chickens need a dry space, ducks are very wet and messy and potentially could hurt the chickens badly, and guineafowl are just plain mean to other birds and need a LOT of space to be happy. You have room for maybe around 15 chickens in there. I would build separate areas for the other birds if I were you.

 

[StinkyAcres]

As for the layout, for chickens, I'd place the roost in the most sheltered area, so mostly along the back wall, about 30" high, 16" from the wall, and 1' of roost space per bird. The nesting boxes can go on a side wall and should be lower than the roost.

I assume you are going to keep it open-air?