Newbie With A New Coop!

[Redneck0311]

Hey all, new here and new to chickens. I live in MA, and have got myself 15 chicks around the 11th of May. I have 3 Rhode Island Reds, 3 Black Australorps, 3 Silver Wyadottes, 3 White Rocks, and 3 Delaware. Someone gave me an idea to show off my coop in a new thread, so here it is.
I started out with a lean to type coop and run design in my head. Then I was able to find a simple plan online that matched my idea. I am in no way a carpenter, just have the basic concepts.
I went with a 6’x12’( really 12’1”). With a 6’x5’ raised (2ft) coop. Had to go with the extra foot in the coop to give the girls some extra room.
Put Two roosting bars over an open bottom floor with chicken wire, hopefully this is easier cleaning the coop. If not I have a piece of plywood ready to cover, also will prob use this to cover during the cold New England winters. I also made 4 nesting boxes about 18”x12.75” each.
Here’s some pics and the link to the design I followed. I modified a little as I was on a strict budget and tried to use all the wood and scrap I had from cuts. I built the entire frame by 2x4’s as well as the deck for the coop, but I used 2x2’s for the majority of framing for the coop. The 2’ from the 4x4’s that we’re cut from the back went into the coop base instead of buying two more 4x4’s. I think altogether it was around $600, figured it wasn’t too bad considering you pay about that for smaller less quality pre-made coops. Thanks and enjoy


https://modernfarmer.com/2015/09/how-to-build-a-chicken-coop/

 

[Unexpected chicken lover]

Glad you decided to join the party!! There are so many knowledgeable folks here willing to answer any/all questions. We share stories, laughter, and sometimes grief...it really is a big happy family. Jump right in any enjoy!

Nice coop. Chicken math is REAL though lol, if I were you, I would try to expand that run seeing as there are 12 chickens and it is a very addicting hobby

 

[Lazy Farmer]

 

[The Phantom]

 

[21hens-incharge]

There's a lot I like about your coop!

You did well having the nest access under the high side of the roof. No rain pouring down your back while gathering eggs will be great!

You may find that as your birds get close to laying that they start to squabble. It's a bit small for 12 adults to be inside in the winter.
having the nests inside makes it basically a 5'x5' coop. Thats 25 sq feet or about half of what 12 birds need. Not harshing on your coop or you at all. Just wanting you to be prepared if things go south.

Are you adding vents? They are easy to add and really really important especially in winter to prevent frostbite.

I think it is awesome you got it built BEFORE they got big!

 

[karissapaul]

nice coop. and welcome!!!

 

[Percheron chick]

Agree it's too small. They will spend a considerable amount of time in the coop during the winter. An adult hen is approximately 1 ft2 standing still. That only leaves you with 10 ft2 that isn't being used. Add the feeder and waterer and they're standing on top of each other. Those will quickly become crabby babies. I would drop your numbers to 6-8. Extend the roofing over the run to help keep it snow free. You want them to use it year round. Chicken wire on the floor doesn't work. The poop will not fall through.
Add a hasp to the door. You want to secure the door with a clip. Raccoon can easily open barrel bolts.

 

[featherhead007]

I have seen, and built many coops, but yours is very impressive, There is something about it.. Kinda has that " Hey honey I'm home" look to it!