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lumpster1961

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Joined
Dec 26, 2019
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Location
New Hampshire
Hello all I am knew here and to chickens.I have none yet will get them in the spring. I have to build a coop with a question or 2. I want to build one 8ft x 6ft and walls 5ft high not counting roof. is that size and height good enough for 12-13 chickens? also can i space the wall studs 2 ft on center. 2x4 studs. I live in new hampshire so we get snow. I used to know those type of answers but due to a motor cycle accident i have no memory. thank ya'll for your help.
 
We welcome you to BYC. I’m sorry about your accident. We all know the feeling of laying the bike down. I’m glad you made it. :hugs
Yes, you can do a dozen chickens, and a baker’s dozen should be okay too. Please look around, and find a few threads that interest you. Your state thread is a good start (there’s a link in my signature), and you can also jump into any number of threads in “random ramblings.”
 
lumpster1961 said:
I want to build one 8ft x 6ft and walls 5ft high not counting roof. is that size and height good enough for 12-13 chickens? also can i space the wall studs 2 ft on center. 2x4 studs. I live in new hampshire so we get snow.
Click to expand...
I'd go taller on the walls(std 8') and stick with 16"oc to hold the roof and snow load.
Might think about going 8x8' to maximize material usage,
and for more interior space for those really nasty winter days.
What type roof are you thinking...gable, single plane slant??
Large roof overhangs(12") with open soffits for good ventilation up high.
Here some tips on heights:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/coop-stack-up-how-high-stuff-works-well.73427/

If you have any plans drawn up might be good to start a new thread here to discuss it further.

Oh, and....Welcome to BYC! @lumpster1961
Here's how to add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, (laptop version shown), then it's always there!
upload_2019-12-26_17-39-57.png
 
:welcome

Hi, it's nice to have you here with us! I too would go higher with the walls, being able to stand up inside is a real back saver.

Make yourself at home and always feel free to ask questions!
 
Hello there and welcome to BYC! :frow

Chickens need about 5 square foot per bird in the coop (not including roosts and nest boxes) to prevent cannibalism and the spread of disease. So I would consider 9 or 10 birds at the most. The more space you give chickens, the happier, healthier and more eggs they will lay.

Good luck and welcome to our roost!
 
welcome- I understand about your accident been there done that. The good thing is your probably forgotten a lot of crap memories also. :) From dummies.com The minimum rule of thumb is about 2 to 3 square feet per chicken inside the chicken coop, and 8 to 10 square feet per chicken in an outside run. More square footage is better. Skimping on space requirements for a flock of chickens can cause stress, cannibalism, pecking, and sometimes even death.This is the MINIMUM SPACE. If you don't have the room bantum breeds are an alternative.
 
Hello and welcome to BYC! :frow Glad you joined.
2' OC is fine for construction with snow load. The addition I put on my house and my coop are both built with 2' OC construction. The addition passed inspection without issue. Look up Advanced Framing for better ideas on finishing your corners and eliminating a double top plate.
I would go with walk-in height and just use 8x8 area to maximize the use of your lumber.
 

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