Planning for a coop and run

[iwiw60]

Quote: WAaaaay overkill! I would think that 4 nesting boxes would be just fine and would give you the added bonus of more "space" in the coop, too. Also keep in mind that out of those 4 nesting boxes they will ALL try and use the same one or two consistently....go figure...it's a chicken thing!

I can only speak for myself, but I did run a heavy-duty outdoor extension cord (50-footer) out to my coop. This way I can have a light whenever I need to be out there at night, plus plug in my video baby monitor thingie for peace of mind.

I don't know about "bedding" for the run area...gosh, they'll have that "stripped" before you know it!! But for me I plan on putting a chicken swing in there, some big tree branches for outdoor roosts for them to play on, etc. During the warm weather months (not too many of those!) I will put out a secondary feeder and waterer.

Have you checked out the forum board on coops, runs??? FABulous for getting ideas...your head will be swimming (like mine was!) Best of luck to you and keep in touch!!

 

[ansky225]

So, I'm pretty lost. I have no idea how to build a 12x16 shed / chicken coop. I've found them at Home Depot for $3,000 ish. Can you build one yourself for less? Do I just have to give in and buy plans online, then take the list to the store and buy the materials? I want a little red and white chicken coop that looks like a barn (to match my future horse barn) Like the first picture I posted. I think I could build it if I had directions, materials, and the tools, all together, but I don't know how to get the directions / blue prints. Any suggestions? I'm kind of overwhelmed at all the "free" plans, and I don't know if they're complete or correct.

Like this: http://www.icreatables.com/sheds/12x16-GB-gambrel-shed-plans.html seems like it would be good, but I think I'd need someone to tailor it to have the access to the boxes to get the eggs, and I'd need the chicken sized door planned in. I don't know if it's worth the $25 to buy that, if I can't get and build it for less than $3,000, because I could just buy this one: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Best-Bar...zontal1-4-_-NA-_-203242436-_-N#specifications

 

[Michael OShay]

So, I'm pretty lost. I have no idea how to build a 12x16 shed / chicken coop. I've found them at Home Depot for $3,000 ish. Can you build one yourself for less? Do I just have to give in and buy plans online, then take the list to the store and buy the materials? I want a little red and white chicken coop that looks like a barn (to match my future horse barn) Like the first picture I posted. I think I could build it if I had directions, materials, and the tools, all together, but I don't know how to get the directions / blue prints. Any suggestions? I'm kind of overwhelmed at all the "free" plans, and I don't know if they're complete or correct.

Like this: http://www.icreatables.com/sheds/12x16-GB-gambrel-shed-plans.html seems like it would be good, but I think I'd need someone to tailor it to have the access to the boxes to get the eggs, and I'd need the chicken sized door planned in. I don't know if it's worth the $25 to buy that, if I can't get and build it for less than $3,000, because I could just buy this one: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Best-Bar...zontal1-4-_-NA-_-203242436-_-N#specifications