We used a type of vent like this only not adjustable. I can't find a pic of what we used
If three is all you are planning on having, the coop is fine. Just be sure to add some more ventilation. You are going to need a much larger run space though, at least 10 sq ft per bird. More is better.
I have read these are not ideal coops but I plan to purchase another and but them end to end so they have 2 nesting areas and more room to move about. I am limited by space so had to go with something small. Your thought would be appreciated.
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I agree with no windows ONLY if the birds are NEVER confined to the coop except when they are roosting. Let those girls see the world from their recliners
I keep the food and water in the coop but my girls have a 10'x12' converted horse stall inside an ancient barn so plenty of room. Thus JBG's comment to keep the food and water out in the run is good, again as long as the chickens are not confined to the coop during the day. I use a nipple water pipe with the 5 gallon "source" outside the coop. Easy to refill, takes almost no space from the chickens. You could do the same even if the water is in the run. They learn to use the nipples quite quickly and if your source is opaque (mine is an insulated Igloo drink cooler) it won't ever grow algae. I wash mine out maybe once a year. Otherwise I just add water to it.
Looks like a job well thought out and executed. Sturdy hoop coop and run. You likely need to run some 2x4 welded wire or 1/2" hardware cloth skirted out about 18" and buried or covered with something (some people use paver stones) to make sure nothing can dig under the wall. Also, chicken wire is something raccoons can reach through and they, plus other predators, can rip it pretty easily. Might want to consider 1/2" hardware cloth run up a couple of feet on the walls.
Lastly, coons climb VERY well and have dextrous front feet. They can EASILY open a hook. I suggest a lockable barrel bolt where you have the twist board. And once that is installed, try to pull the door open on the corner on that side. If you can pull it out even an inch or so, a coon can possibly squeeze in. They WILL find any small opening if it exists.
Here are a couple of photos of my new coop and run. I am in Scotland, in the UK so the coop supplier may not be useful to those not this side of the pond!
The coop was purchased from Perthshire Poultry. It is a high-end product with excellent build quality. It will easily house 6 large hens - I have three at the moment as this is my first time as a chicken keeper (started two weeks ago). It contains two perches and two nest boxes, which as you can see are easily accessed. There is an access door at the back to get into the coop to clean plus a sliding floor than I can pull out if needed. I have added a Chicken Guard automatic door opener which is invaluable. The door is set to open and close at certain times. I still check on the girls but the auto door means I have some freedom as to when I do and I can have a lie in at the weekend if I want
The run was built by a friend. It has a floor of treated marine ply which is a strong and water resistant wood. It is approx 8 foot long, 4 foot wide and 5 foot tall. I can get in to clean and fill water, feed, etc. I added two small tree branches as perches at one end. The roof is a strong plastic (it is used to protect stained glass windows in churches). I have sharp sand on the floor of the run which the girls seem to like and it is easy to skip out poo which I do every day.
I am two weeks into my chicken keeping adventure and loving every minute.
Looks very nice. I'm not sure how much ventilation is in the coop. A bit rainy in Scotland, no? you might want something to divert water coming off the roof and onto the nest box roof. However, it does look like the roof hangs past the hinged part of the lid so the issue would be more of how much water will be shooting off that nest box roof onto your slicker and Wellies (negating the problem if you are wearing them).
Here are a couple of photos of my new coop and run. I am in Scotland, in the UK so the coop supplier may not be useful to those not this side of the pond!
The coop was purchased from Perthshire Poultry. It is a high-end product with excellent build quality. It will easily house 6 large hens - I have three at the moment as this is my first time as a chicken keeper (started two weeks ago). It contains two perches and two nest boxes, which as you can see are easily accessed. There is an access door at the back to get into the coop to clean plus a sliding floor than I can pull out if needed. I have added a Chicken Guard automatic door opener which is invaluable. The door is set to open and close at certain times. I still check on the girls but the auto door means I have some freedom as to when I do and I can have a lie in at the weekend if I want
The run was built by a friend. It has a floor of treated marine ply which is a strong and water resistant wood. It is approx 8 foot long, 4 foot wide and 5 foot tall. I can get in to clean and fill water, feed, etc. I added two small tree branches as perches at one end. The roof is a strong plastic (it is used to protect stained glass windows in churches). I have sharp sand on the floor of the run which the girls seem to like and it is easy to skip out poo which I do every day.
I am two weeks into my chicken keeping adventure and loving every minute.
