Please take a look at my CHICKEN COOP PLANS and tell me what you think

[singmaster]

This is my first post.
I think I've uploaded my plans. Or not...

SingmasterCoopDesign


But here is my email address if it hasn't worked out.
[email protected]

If you email me, I'll send you a pdf with my plans.

I'd appreciate if those of you with experience can take a look and let me know what works and more importantly, what needs improvement.

I thought I'd start with two chickens to see how it went, but have been urged to start with 3-4. Now I'm afraid the run under isn't large enough. If they get let out fairly regularly, is a 4x4 run ok for 3-4 chickens? Should I downsize to bantams? I'm so confused now.

How do I clean the poop out of the run below the coop?
It's not a moveable coop, but I like the idea of letting them have a protected area to hang out if I'm not there to let them out to run around.
We have a large lot that is fenced so when I'm around, they'll be able to run around when I'm here. But we have coyotes in the neighborhood, so they to be watched.

Also, we have a swimming pool. Will they fall in?

We also have a raised bed garden with a fence about 3 feet off the ground that keeps the bunnies out. Will the hens jump over and into my veg garden? There's plenty of vegetation and bugs that should keep them busy, but will they attack my garden anyway?

THANKS TO ANYONE WILLING TO HELP.

 

[patandchickens]

Quote:
If you upload it to an image-hosting site like photobucket, you can link from there; or click on 'uploads' in the blue banner above (starts with index - user list - rules - etc, look across to where it says uploads) and follow the directions there.

I'd like to start with two chickens but may get more if it works out.

Can I suggest starting with 3 or 4? The problem with just 2 is that if something bad happens to one of them, then you have a lone chicken and MUST introduce a new one, but that is never easy or smooth what with disease issues and them sorting out the pecking order (not always kindly). The less bringing-in-new-chickens you have to do, the better... and if you start with 3 or 4, you probably won't have to bring in any new ones until/unless you decide to really get some more.

How do I clean the poop out of the run below the coop?
It's not a moveable coop, but I like the idea of letting them have a protected area to hang out if I'm not there to let them out to run around

You'll need an access hatch in the side, and a good fine-toothed rake. There is a limit to how well you will be able to actually *clean* it out, but remember, stuff will break down naturally, it does not necessarily have to be removed as such (tho the worst deposits should be)

Also, we have a swimming pool. Will they fall in?

Possibly. So you'd want to be supervising.

We also have a raised bed garden with a fence about 3 feet off the ground that keeps the bunnies out. Will the hens jump over and into my veg garden?

If they want to. No way to predict. You may be ok, but, have to wait and see.

Good luck, have fun, welcome to BYC,

Pat​

 

[cheryl98117]

I would fence off the pool so that you dont have any accidents.
As for the gardens, I have a 1 1/2 foot fence around our gardens and it keeps the girls out without problems. As long as they have a good sized area to scratch in they should leave your gardens alone. But keep in mind, every bird is different, and some will test you, and your fences.

As for cleaning under the run, make sure to leave yourself and access door to the run under the coop, that way you can rake it out. Are you going to clean it every week? Or are you planning on using a deep litter method?

I will warn you now, and most BYC'ers will agree, chickens are addictive, and two may not be enough. lol

I hope this helps a little, if you want go ahead and email the plans to me, and I can try to post it here for you.

[email protected]

I'm more than willing to help if I can.

 

[cheryl98117]

Here you go Singmaster.

I hope the quality is ok... I had to print and the scan into picture format. lol But I hope this helps you out hun.

 

[singmaster]

Thank you Cheryl! Very nice of you.
I tried to upload but can't find them.

 

[cheryl98117]

Well now you dont have to worry about it.

I'm more than willing to help whenn I can.