Number one change or suggestion for a new coop

[daxigait]

Please share what is the best thing you did and the one thing you wish you had done for your coop and run. I live in sw MO and and getting ready to build my main coop for 15-20 birds which are in chicken tractors. My budget is limited. Wood tin sand and hardware cloth are ready. Thanks from a newbie waiting on eggs

 

[aart]

Build roost boards and use the sand in those with some PDZ mixed in.
Lots of ventilation!

 

[allpeepedout]

Covered run. Stays dry -- poo dries rapidly on clay / dirt, and never has any odor. Effectively enlarges coop, as chooks can be out rain, shine, and snow. Always great for dust bathing. High security.

Wish I had planned more ventilation for chicken math.

 

[TalkALittle]

Best things done:
Covered run.
Switched from sand to deep litter in run.
Made coop full height walk in.
Increased ventilation.

Wish I had done:
Made it larger.

 

[Hokum Coco]

The one thing you wish you had done for your coop Thanks from a newbie waiting on eggs

Wish I had cut my pop door into my coop a bit higher up from the floor (around 12" or less) deep litter has a tendency to clog the threshold on my guillotine type door.

 

[Folly's place]

My coop has been enlarged three times so far; the latest is a solid roof over the run. Love it! Deep litter is the best; there's too much daily maintenance with sand (scooping daily? no way!). Lots of ventilation with hardware cloth. Plant trees and shrubs for shade if you don't have any there. Insulating the roof helps with summer sun too. Separate areas rather than one big space, with closable doors between. Easy access for cleanout. Good drainage!!! Don't build and then regret flooding when it really rains. Electricity and an all weather hydrant to the coop! Mary