New Coop

[MSmom601]

My son and I are getting ready to build his first coop. I'm wondering what side the nesting boxes should be on N,S,E or W? Does it really matter? Would small windows close to the roof be sufficient ventilation or should I also put in a few at eye level? We will be building a 7'x8' coop, but I don't know if I should build it off the ground or not. How much run space should I make available for daytime use? I will be letting them free range once we get home in the afternoons? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks Ya'LL

 

[Michael OShay]

I would put the nesting boxes on the north side away from the sun. A window or two at eye level would be good as more ventilation is better. Just be certain that they are covered with 1/2 ' hardward cloth so they are predator free and that they do not allow drafts into the coop when they are closed during cold weather. You will get different opinions as to whether you should build it off the ground or not, but whichever way you go, just make sure that predators cannot get into it from underneath. For a run, you need to have a minimal area of 4' square per chicken, but obviously more is better.