Question for fellow northern climate keepers

[mcliff3]

As I approach construction of our chicken coop, I was wondering how many other northern (i.e. SNOW!!!!) keepers building their coops 24" on center rather than 16" on center. I tend to always over-build (my shed is built better than our house....), so I was curious if 24" on center for studs would be sufficient in the New England area.

Thanks!

 

[Chicken Fried]

If you are going to do that you should at least use 2x6's.

 

[mcliff3]

Sounds like I am back to 2x4s 16" OC!!!

 

[YankeeRider]

Unless you are building a massive coop, the cost of 16" OC over 24" is minimal. maybe one or two more 2x4's per side?

 

[ChickensInTheNorthWoods]

I have done both my coops 24" oc with 2x4's without any problems

 

[chickendude]

I'm in NY and have a small coop for 7 chickens approx 6x5. I used 2x3 studs 16 OC. It should be plenty strong.

 

[patandchickens]

It depends a lot on what the pitch of your roof is and how big a building we're talking about.

But, really, as someone else pointed out, you will not save any MEANINGFUL money stretching things to 24". I'd really just do standard 16" spacing and err on the safe side. It truly, truly sucks to have something cave in under the snow. Remember you're not just building for it to be strong enough *now* but for it to be strong enough once it has aged and weakened somewhat.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat