Opinions?

[georgialee]

Sorry I'm posting yet another thread about what we should do! I bought the plans for this coop: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=260383961260

I like it and her instructions are great. However, the more I'm reading about chickens the more I like the deep litter method which I don't think will be possible with this coop since it's not very tall. Plus it will only be about $30 less than building an 8x8 shed that is 8 feet tall. What would y'all that are more experienced go with?

BTW, despite what my siggie says I am now up to 17 chicks

. On the up side 15 are bantams and all are straight run so probably aroun 8-9 will be roosters that I'll give away. Either way, I'll need a medium size coop since I really want to get some easter eggers as well (man, DH is gonna kill me)

 

[Catalina]

If it were me I would go with the big coop ~ one you can stand up in.

It's soooooo much easier to clean!

Good luck!

 

[Zahboo]

From my experience, I prefer walk in coops. It is easier to clean and easier to interact with your chickens. I would build an 8x8 if I were you. Right now I'm in the process of building a 8x7 and made it where I can walk in the coop and the run. It's a great plan. Maybe modify to about 6' tall, and have the nestboxes 18" off the floor.

 

[georgialee]

Thanks for the advice! After reading that I realized that I would like it better if I were able to walk in; and that makes perfect sense about it being easier to clean if it's taller. With a shed-type coop do you still have access to the nest boxes from outside or do you just go in and get the eggs? Thx!

 

[patandchickens]

Quote:
Whichever way you want to design it

You can also make it so there is a 3x3 or larger "foyer" when you walk in, that chickens are screened out of and you can store feed etc there, and nestboxes can be accessible from *there*, if you prefer.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat