Planning stages - Coop Design

[AndrewH]

Updated concept drawings...


Here is my latest design idea. The thought was to do the build in stages. Build the EGG side first, then later on build the MEAT side. And this also allows me to make them smaller with plenty of room. The line shown for the runs will be permanent fence, but there will be adjustable fence within the runs to allow flexibility.

This is the back side of the coop (looking from the run). This was drawn before I changed the size, so it'll be 4' shorter (one vent door section).

Feedback is always welcome.

 

[patandchickens]

I would strongly discourage you from planning meat-processing facilities in a coop. !!! . For processing you want CLEAN; a coop is inevitably pervaded with FILTHY and DUSTY. If you want a special building for it -- most people just set up a table in the shade! - build a separate little shed or something. You also don't wanna be slaughtering chickens right BY the other chickens -- best that they not hear it, you know?

You still really oughtn't be trying to incubate eggs in the coop, either. It will not work well at all. Incubators need a very clean and CONSTANT-TEMPERATURE environment, like in your house.

You can certainly have two coops like that if you want but it is less efficient and much more expense/aggravation than just one, I really do not see any benefit to it. You will have to run electricity and water twice, you will have to walk twice as far, and the items/supplies you need will always turn out to ahve been in the other coop; plus it gives you less flexibility about space. Your earlier design seemed much more managment-friendly and sensible

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[AndrewH]

Thank you for the honesty...

Haven't finished researching the coop yet, so I appreciate the feedback.

 

[AndrewH]

Ok I've been reading some of the links (no matter how painful it was: 150+ post count threads, broken links, etc.) people have so kindly suggested.

My previous designs were just some visual forms of my ideas. I think I have a better understanding now, and also a better 'build' game plan.

The latest design concept was started with standard lumber dimensions as one of the main factors. The more standard sizes you use the less cuts, the less mistakes (knock on wood), and hopefully the cheaper it'll be in the long run.

-The new coop design is reduced in size to fit 8' lumber.
-The nest boxes are accessible from the outside of the coop. This way you don't have to enter the 'chicken area' to gather eggs. This will also keep the chickens from pooping (fingers crossed) in while sitting on the nest boxes.
-Also, the poo tray which will be under the roost, will be able to slide to the exterior without having to pick it up or go through the door ways.
(click to see larger images)

UPDATED COOP


The run may be a little large for the capacity of the coop, but this also allows me to add another coop at the opposite end later on if I want to expand.


The front elevation of the coop does not have the egg boxes shown, yet.


Side elevation with run drawn.


And the back elevation shows the personal doors with pop doors built-in. It also shows that the chickens can access under the coop for additional run space, plus a shady spot on those Texas summer days.


The entire coop will be covered with wire mesh (chicken wire/hardware cloth) and I will have removable plywood panels which I can put on or take off at will (for rainy or cold days).

Any comments or suggestions? They're always welcome!