Hi,
I'm about ready to build a coop, but before doing so I would like input from folks that have been doing this for a while.
I have about an acre and a half on the out skirts of a small city in southwestern Ohio.
I have about three quarters devoted to a small orchard, garden, and what will soon be for chickens.
My plan is to house 16 layers and maybe and I mean maybe expand to no more than 24.
I'm wanting to build a 10x12 coop, with 8x10 dedicated to living space and 4x10 to storage. Five nesting boxes will open to the storage area for getting the eggs. I will be able to add more nesting boxes, if needed, to the east side of the coop. Ventilation, doors and windows will be on three sides of the building. I plan on insulating the N, E, and W sides. I've not decided on the ceiling.
I have an area 30x90, fenced, for range and is next to my garden with the same area, also fenced, for a total area of 60x90 on occasion. I plan on covering an area out side the coop for winter and bad weather, to give the hens a choice on getting out of doors.
Any tips, advice or "are you nuts" will be appreciated.
Thanks
I'm about ready to build a coop, but before doing so I would like input from folks that have been doing this for a while.
I have about an acre and a half on the out skirts of a small city in southwestern Ohio.
I have about three quarters devoted to a small orchard, garden, and what will soon be for chickens.
My plan is to house 16 layers and maybe and I mean maybe expand to no more than 24.
I'm wanting to build a 10x12 coop, with 8x10 dedicated to living space and 4x10 to storage. Five nesting boxes will open to the storage area for getting the eggs. I will be able to add more nesting boxes, if needed, to the east side of the coop. Ventilation, doors and windows will be on three sides of the building. I plan on insulating the N, E, and W sides. I've not decided on the ceiling.
I have an area 30x90, fenced, for range and is next to my garden with the same area, also fenced, for a total area of 60x90 on occasion. I plan on covering an area out side the coop for winter and bad weather, to give the hens a choice on getting out of doors.
Any tips, advice or "are you nuts" will be appreciated.
Thanks