Newbie with a plan. Input needed. :)

[LunarGecko]

I'm very new. Here is a link to my intro post if you are interested.

I've been spending way too much time trying to plan out the coop for my future 4-6 chickens. This is what I have so far. Any input would be great!!!

I think I'm gonna use this and convert it into a coop. It's 4.3' x 6.6' and 6' tall.



I'll have to add nesting boxes, thinking something like this....



or




I will also have to add a chicken door plus air vents.

Water - Also thinking about adding a 3 gallon bucket with PVC running down from a top shelf to watering nipples. This way I can add a small fish tank heater just below the water line, on a thermostat, to keep it from freezing in the winter.

Food - a PVC gravity fed tube feeder.

Note: I may have to add an automatic door system as well. I work a lot of late nights. It's not uncommon for me to go to work at 1 or 2 and not be home till 11pm. IDK how much hubby will want to be locking up the chickens at night or letting them out before he goes to work because I'm still in bed after a late night. This will also mean adding electricity to the coop.

So what do you think?

 

[aart]

Welcome to BYC!

4x6 will house 4 birds.

That first pic would work for nests/roosts but you'll only need 2 nests at most, second pic is for a much larger coop and flock.

That shed is going to need some ventilation added, hope you're handy......good articles on Space and Ventilation linked in my signature.

 

[LunarGecko]

I think I'll be adding a shelf/ floor higher up to add to the foot print but perhaps I'll just get a bigger one. Also the nesting box photos are just an example of the kinds I was thinking about. Obviously I don't need more than 2 or 3 with 6 birds.

I'm fairly handy but I don't want to build the entire thing as well as the run. I do have a 10x12 shed on the property but I don't think I want to use that if I can avoid it.