options please and ideas

[yelim]

http://msucares.com/pubs/plans/6248.pdf

In the layout drawing behind the roost I have built a door that lifts up to pull out poop board for cleaning.
Anyone have any suggestions for other things I might want to do?

 

[Marie1234]

Allow for egg collection from outside. Install the windows so they open from the outside and tip out and have wire to cover them on the inside.

 

[Intheswamp]

I'm not sure where you're located or how your building site is situated so this may not matter to you...

Being in south Alabama, I would extend the overhangs a bit. On the west side I would extend the overhang by close to 4 feet...storms normally come out of the southwest so it would help keep rain out of any open window on that side but most importantly would shade the west wall during the HOT hours of summer days...in the winter it would allow the sun to peek under the overhang and warm the side of the building. On the south I would extend the overhang out for another foot...this one would be more for the heat factor than for rain, though I may make a removable piece for the summertime that will extend the overhang a bit.

I happened upon an online calculator the other day that helps figuring overhangs for solar shading/gain. You might want to check it out, here's the link: https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=333328

Another thing that I would try to do is raise the coop up higher than one block high. 18"-24" would be good to give the chickens a good place to find shade, rain cover, build dust baths, etc.,. A coop floor low to the ground will invite unwanted critters, mostly rats, to set up housekeeping there.

This plan has always appealed to me for it's basic, functional design. I took am figuring on a removable poop board...whether proof it and predatorproof it and your set. The only problem with it is that the poop board is under the drip line of roof. When it is raining it's going to be somewhat problematical to access the board. I've seen lots of externally accessed nestboxes be placed in the same location...and wonder about the foresight in regards to rain draining off the roof onto the flock owner. Just something to think about.

Best wishes on your project!!! Keep us posted on the progress (with lots of pictures from the foundation up!

).
Ed

 

[newchicksnducks]

You can have external egg collection, but I actually like going inside my coop to collect eggs. This way I'm "forced" to check on the status inside the coop, refill oyster shell, etc as needed, while I am inside collection eggs. Just a matter of personal preference.

 

[SillyChicken]

Quote:
I like doing that too.

 

[SillyChicken]

Quote:
Looks like a nice design!

You may want to consider a different roofing material. Roll roofing only lasts about 10 years. I know it's cheaper, but if you can get away with galv Metal, or even 25 yr 3 tabs shingles, it would last longer (stalk the big box retail stores, sometime you can get deals on open shingle packages or returned special orders).

You also may want to consider headers (turn 2-2x4's on end) over your doors and windows to prevent saging and jack studs under your window sills for support. There are other things you could add for strength and stability for the walls, plus it'll account for the thickness of wood for the nails etc. Double top sill plates etc..