New to chickens and here's what i have so far

[Mark and Carolyn]

after looking at countless pictures and talking to a lot of people this is where i am at so far

its 4x10
one question i have is weather to put a window in it? i seem to be getting conflicting answers.

i'll have the floor and sides done tomorrow.

of and this will house 4 isa hens.

 

[underground chickenman]

You need a window because you will want some light to get in there to wake them up. Chickens are photosensitive. They not only wake up and sleep with the sun, or an artificial source of light, but they need about 15 hours of light to lay eggs. You will also need ventilation, so you need some openings in the coop covered with hardware cloth 1/2 inch 16-14 gauge.

Be sure to post pics of the finished product.

UGCM

 

[Mark and Carolyn]

ok i'll put a window in it for sure. i plan on having the top open so it can vent. what do you mean by cloth?

 

[CityChook]

Window - absolutely. As big as you can afford.
Cloth reference is for Hardware Cloth. It's a heavy-duty mesh. Quite strong. You can get it at Home Depot or any building supply.
Ventilation is key. Keep it up high over the chicken's heads.
You've got a great start - keep the photos coming!

Go to the blue bar above to "search." You can put in any key word and learn sooooooo much!

And

from MN!

ETA: Just looking at your photo again. Is the coop going to be the size of the existing roof or the size of the cube that has been framed?

 

[RockwaterFarm]

It's what the wire is called . It has small openings, like 1/2 inch or so. You can get at any feed store or hardware store.

 

[Mark and Carolyn]

Quote:
the size of the cube. and i got it on the wire cloth, thanks. i plan on leaving the top open and the sides of the top also. it should get plenty of ventilation.
as far as a window goes, i may just make something. not sure on that yet.

 

[CityChook]

Consider putting the window on the run side, underneath the roof overhang. That's why I asked about the size of your coop. If the run is partially covered (which is what I am picturing for you) and your window is under that cover, then you won't have to run outside to close it up when the rains come.

For a window, you'll want to properly frame it in, so maybe refrain from finishing the walls where you want to put the window until you know where/what you want to do and what size it will be.

 

[Mark and Carolyn]

i'm thinking it will be vented good enough to not need a opening window. but who knows. if i can find something the right size i may get it. or i'll just make something.

oh another question, what size should the opening be for the entry way?

 

[CityChook]

Pop door is what the chickens will use to come/go from the run. It is usually 12-15 inches square. Be sure to cut it 6-9 inches above the floor level so that your deep litter won't fall out each time you open the door. Design the door to be shut nightly, and preferably locked.

The human door can be whatever size you prefer. Should be big enough for you to access the far corners of the coop for cleaning. Bigger is better. Again, cut it 6-9 inches above the floor level, or design a removable ledge (this is what I did).

Window should not be relied upon for ventilation. It should be considered for light first. Could be opened when temperatures permit for temperature control and extra ventilation. But your overhangs are not terribly deep, so a window on the sides/back could let in water when it rains. Be aware of your design.

Check out Pat's ventilation page:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=1642-VENTILATION

 

[Intheswamp]

Mark and Carolyn, where are ya'll located at? I take it that you are in a regularly warm area. ???

Ed