Newbie coop plans in progress (Alaska)

[fbkschickenmama]

What a wonderful site!
We have 5 two wk old Chicks: 1 Barred Rock, 1 BK Australorp, 1 Red Sex Link, 1 Americana, 1 Buff Orphington
I'm amazed at how fast they are growing. Thus, begins the coop build. Keeping in mind we are in interior Alaska....
For 5 chickens...
How does a 2.5' raised 4x6 coop sound?
Raised roof, insulated ceiling and floor (do all walls need it too? And if so...vapor barrier necessary for this size/population?), Heat lamp or plate (on eco plug/extention cord) pointed at water, 4x12 attached run. vented windows with close option for winter. Double 4 ft roosts over a poop tray. Hardware cloth surrounding run and windows/vents. 2 exterior laying boxes with opening door(probably insulated as well?) I don't want them to feel cramped and get too pecky this winter, but don't want to heat more space than needed either.

We are very excited and hoping to do this right the first round!
A picture would be more helpful, but they're still being tossed around in my head. Any advice, red flags or lessons learned that you'd care to share would be much appreciated. I'm learning so much from all of you wonderful chicken experts! Thank you!

 

[Pork Pie]

I'm no expert on coop builds, but the recommended space requirements are 4sqft per bird for the coop, 1 ft roosting space and 10sqft per bird run space.

Since you live in, lets say, not the warmest part of the world, it may be a better to increase your coop size if you can, since its likely that your flock will spend more time there in the winter. Additionally, chicken-keeping is addictive and you will soon want more, so the bigger you can build you coop - the better. More space = happier and healthier flock.

I'm sure you will get some great advice from other members here, but you may wish to consider joining your state thread as it will put you in touch with other BYC members in your area - https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/270925/find-your-states-thread. They will also be able to share their experiences with you in terms of coop build.

All the best
CT

 

[sumi]

Welcome to BYC

Glad you joined the flock! Your coop plans sound nice, but I would make the run bigger for them. Here are some articles on coop space, winter chicken keeping that I think you'll enjoy and also some coop designs/plans, if you're interested:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/how-much-room-do-chickens-need

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/winter-chicken-keeping

https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/2/Coops

Enjoy the site!

 

[sunflour]

and congrats on your new flock.

I agree with the comments to build larger than the minimum and with your climate they may have to be "cooped up" in the winter.

IMO best to post under the coops/runs forum - if you have some preliminary drawings add those into the post - and likely you will get some specific suggestions.

 

[drumstick diva]

You'll need a bigger run and I would advise a solid cover to keep the snow out. You may also want to post on your state thread to see how others in your area, handle the weather.

 

[fbkschickenmama]

Thank you so much, I will try to enlarge coop, and definitely add covered/bigger run. Thank you for the feedback. I'll repost in the state forum too. Thanks again!

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!