New to chickens - but designing coops - Yikes!

[JessChook]

Hi everyone. I'm Jessica and I'm definitely new to chickens. I'll be getting mine in a couple of months once my coop is finished and my chicks are brooded out by a farmer friend. I will have 6 - the limit in my rural city ordinance here in southern Illinois.

I'm in the process of selecting breeds right now with the main criteria being quieter. Though, I understand we may get some noisy gals anyways as just luck of the draw. I'm really looking forward to caring for them as pets and extended family. I'm also looking forward to eggs but don't ever intend to eat or slaughter any of the hens (been there done that), unless one has to be put down.

I'm generally a diy/homesteader hobbyist and have a kitchen garden, sew, construct, harvest firewood, and promote native plants and fauna, among many other things that fall into the homesteading mindset. I have a number of farmer friends and acquaintances who keep flocks. I also believe and engage in the concept of mutual aid, as opposed to charity, to enrich my local community with resilience. I co-founded a tool library and a seed library, the latter which I still maintain.

I'm a trained architect, but due to where I live, have virtually no work. So, I've been working in on-line news production for awhile. I have a husband and a dog (cattle/beagle mix).

I've been working with a friend to develop 12-15 coops as part of a food security grant project. Recipients will get a coop and 6 pullets for egg production. I've done extensive research and have a design, of which we are building the prototype right now. I have concerns still that I'll make some mistake and deliver to everyone a flawed coop. I also have concerns that others won't invest in and care for their chickens as much as I would like. In hopes of designing the best coop possible, I'm open to feedback and constructive criticism! If anyone is interested, I can post the design and progress photos.

I've known about BYC for some years but am finally making the commitment!

Jessica cluck cluck

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

Welcome to our FUNomenal community!
I hope you enjoy BYC as much as we do!

 

[BDutch]

Great introduction.
I certainly am curious about the design of the coops.

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi Jessica and welcome to BYC. Here are some helpful links:

• Great go-to resource - Articles
• Insightful feedback on how members manage their flocks - Topic of the Week back-catalogue
• Good link to read before building a coop / run - Space requirements
• Hook up with other BYC members nearby using the links in my signature, below.

 

[JessChook]

Great introduction.
I certainly am curious about the design of the coops.

@BDutch I'll post it here later today

 

[Meg-in-MT]

Hello! Welcome to BYC!! Great introduction. Can't wait to see the coop!

 

[scooterward]

Hello and welcome!
My biggest suggestion to consider for a coop is open air / ventilation. It is so very important no matter what part of the country you live in. I'm sure you'll do a fantastic job!

 

[JessChook]

Hello and welcome!
My biggest suggestion to consider for a coop is open air / ventilation. It is so very important no matter what part of the country you live in. I'm sure you'll do a fantastic job!

I am taking that into consideration and am planning about 1sq. ft of ventilation per chicken. Because it's a small 4'x6' coop (4 sq ft per chicken) getting the light, ventilation, roost, nest boxes, clean out door, etc. all oriented well is tricky! My boss has chickens in Northern California and is recommending an open air coop, which I feel is too exposed to temperature drops in the winter. for here and also rather bright. The run will have 8 sq ft. per chicken at 6'-3" high and also the space under the coop, which is 24 sq ft... so a total of 12 sq ft. per chicken for run.

 

[DobieLover]

Hello, Jessica, and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.
I recommend that you post the design in the Coop and Run forum where we builders like to haunt!

 

[DobieLover]

I am taking that into consideration and am planning about 1sq. ft of ventilation per chicken. Because it's a small 4'x6' coop (4 sq ft per chicken) getting the light, ventilation, roost, nest boxes, clean out door, etc. all oriented well is tricky! My boss has chickens in Northern California and is recommending an open air coop, which I feel is too exposed to temperature drops in the winter. for here and also rather bright. The run will have 8 sq ft. per chicken at 6'-3" high and also the space under the coop, which is 24 sq ft... so a total of 12 sq ft. per chicken for run.

8 sqft per bird in the run is too small. My coop is very bright and I've no issues with that .. Seemingly neither do the chickens!
The easiest place to add ventilation is under the eaves and on the gable peaks, if your design has them, provided you have good overhang of the roof line.