Newbie building a new coop has questions

[Dooner]

I am in the planning stage. Bought a small prebuilt and can see it just wont do for the rough winters. It is also a real pain to clean, place food, access the hens and so on. I am thinking a small raised coop with space below as additional run. I built a 3 1/2 x 7 foot run. I have to get some pea gravel for the floor and secure the bottom from diggers yet.

What is the minimum I should raise the coop off the ground to make it usable?

What do you think of a trap door in the floor that serves as a ramp as well rather than a door on a side wall? How do you prevent the wood shavings from falling out?

For five larger breed hens, is 4x4 foot a ggod size and on the other hand is 4x8 too big?

I like the purina coop design and also the coop in the winter plans. I want it to be shingled, have two small windows in front. I lke the use of floor or wall vents place at the top for vetilation rather than removable or hinged panels. I want to put the external nest box on the side or back and a four foot door on the side for access and cleaning. I plan on attaching the pvc style feeder to the back of the door. Does it matter if the nest boxes are near the roosts or the food area?

Any advice for me?

Dooner

 

[ChickInDelight]

I read something BYC that made much sense to me: A coop should be small enough to be able to reach all parts, or large enough to stand up in. I am very ignorant of chickens, but I do know I have spent too much of my life cleaning things that don't clean easily.

Good luck! I believe I have a coop building adventure in my future too. I am starting with a hutch for the babies in this warm, Virginia weather.

Jo