Opinions on my coop design?

[ky_bird]

Hi guys! I wanted your opinion on this coop design I made, me and my dad are getting 6 chickens next spring & these will be the first chickens he’s owned since he was a kid so I’ve been helping a lot haha. the shed roof design was my dads add-on

 

[50-45-1]

Well, it looks like a pretty good plan!
I would make sure that the roosts are higher than the nest boxes or they will choose the nest boxes to sleep in, making a mess.
Also I would mention to keep in mind ease of cleaning and moving around with a shovel in there.
Also, thinking about a possible fiber ceiling panel to allow light in? This is something I wish I had thought about when putting the roof on mine. Extra light from a clear fiber ceiling panel or skylight woud have been real nice.
Keep us updated on the build!
Good luck!

 

[ky_bird]

Well, it looks like a pretty good plan!
I would make sure that the roosts are higher than the nest boxes or they will choose the nest boxes to sleep in, making a mess.
Also I would mention to keep in mind ease of cleaning and moving around with a shovel in there.
Also, thinking about a possible fiber ceiling panel to allow light in? This is something I wish I had thought about when putting the roof on mine. Extra light from a clear fiber ceiling panel or skylight woud have been real nice.
Keep us updated on the build!
Good luck!

Thank you! Yes the roosts will be higher than the nest boxes, when I lived with my mom we had that problem lol. I’ll keep the ceiling idea in mind! We’re mostly using leftover parts from other projects we’ve done to build this coop

 

[rosemarythyme]

That's way more nests than 6 birds would need.

You have a note that mentions ventilation without any numbers, so hard to judge if it's enough. If you live somewhere with hot winters, you'll likely need more than just openings under the overhangs.

The run looks to be 10x5 (correct me if I'm wrong) which is too small for 6 unless you're free ranging almost all day. Chickens generally opt to stay outside rain or shine, so more run space is more practical than more coop space.

 

[ky_bird]

That's way more nests than 6 birds would need.

You have a note that mentions ventilation without any numbers, so hard to judge if it's enough. If you live somewhere with hot winters, you'll likely need more than just openings under the overhangs.

The run looks to be 10x5 (correct me if I'm wrong) which is too small for 6 unless you're free ranging almost all day. Chickens generally opt to stay outside rain or shine, so more run space is more practical than more coop space.

I wanna be on the safe side with the nests, yknow how bird math is lol. we may end up with more in the future :] I have really cold winters here (sometimes getting into the negatives) but ventilation thing is more of a note so I don’t forget, my dad works in construction so he’ll probably have something better figured out! We only intend on keeping them in that run during bad weather/when we’re on trips but I agree with it being pretty small, my dad wants to keep it all light enough so it’s movable

 

[rosemarythyme]

We only intend on keeping them in that run during bad weather/when we’re on trips but I agree with it being pretty small, my dad wants to keep it all light enough so it’s movable

Maybe do the run in 2 or more parts (like a line of hoop coops) so there's expanded space during winter? If you have winters with noticeable snowfall that likely means they'll be confined to the run for months, during which behavioral issues might start cropping up, which is why some folks cull birds going into winter in order to reduce crowding.

 

[ky_bird]

Maybe do the run in 2 or more parts (like a line of hoop coops) so there's expanded space during winter?

Ooh I like that idea, I’ll talk to my dad about it tomorrow! I appreciate the help

 

[perkolator]

Good luck on the project!
Dimensions of the run is undersized for 6 chickens at only 50 sq/ft; the minimum requirements are 10sq/ft each bird, which to me is still very confined when stuck inside and they can't be free-ranged. Most people place the feeder/waterer inside the run, and this reduces even more space per chicken. I would expand the run for sure, like 2-3x the size if it was mine. Coop size looks fine to me.

In regard to the coop structure, I don't see much ventilation, and this is important. A window can work, but you can also add other vents, such as gable vents or in the eaves/soffits. Having airflow adjustability may also be a good idea depending on your region and weather patterns, such as hinged or sliding covers.

I think you have way too many nest boxes for only 6, you could probably get away with just one in reality. Make sure the roost bars are above the boxes, and that their poop won't fall into them or where they'll be walking into the boxes. I'd figure out the type of bedding management system you want to use now, as to me this is a big consideration when determining coop layout in terms the installed heights of everything in relation to the bedding on the floor. For example a chicken door and human door located at floor level, would not be a great idea with basically any bedding system over 1" deep, as there's nothing to keep it held back inside when door is opened or when the chickens go back/forth.

 

[ky_bird]

I think you have way too many nest boxes for only 6, you could probably get away with just one in reality.

I’ve had a couple people mention this, is there any sort of disadvantage to having more nest boxes? Also we will be making the run bigger! For bedding we’re planning on doing sand

 

[rosemarythyme]

I’ve had a couple people mention this, is there any sort of disadvantage to having more nest boxes?

Not really. It eats up space that could be used for other things (like a broody breaker, in-coop brooder, feeder) but as your coop is oversized for the number of birds conserving floor space inside isn't really an issue. Just personally I see no need to spend materials on a bunch of nests when they just won't get used.

For example a chicken door and human door located at floor level, would not be a great idea with basically any bedding system over 1" deep, as there's nothing to keep it held back inside when door is opened or when the chickens go back/forth.

Easy "fix" for a human door set at ground level is a 1x6 or something similar set across the door opening. I just use bricks to hold it in place and when I clean out, I remove it so everything gets blown/swept out easily.

While doing the above still would work on a pop door as well, I would elevate that as it's a little more likely the chickens will start knocking it out of place as they push out in the morning.