Rate my coop

[Twitchy]

I'm thinking about getting two chickens (I can't handle any more where I live.) After reading up on designs, I decided to mock something up that would fit well in the area I have. Since I'm new to this, would anyone care to tell me if this looks reasonable? Any potential pitfalls from this design? The coop would have a door for quick access to the nesting box and a hinged roof for general access. The floor would be a fine grating with removable trays underneath for cleaning. The feeder would be gravity fed, with surplus food and water stored in the "rafter" area.

Here are some pics:

 

[Trollkiller]

 

[ltlchicken]

chickens poop alot. you'll want to make sure you can clean inside the covered house. otherwise, it looks great!

 

[Chirpy]

I think it looks very functional also.

I do think that you should consider getting three hens since they are so social, if something were to happen to one in the future, you'd still have two to keep each other company. Just a thought.

Make sure you allow a minimum of 4 sq. ft. per chicken for the inside coop space.

Have fun...

 

[flakey chick]

The ramp looks a bit steep. I fixed that problem in a simlar sized pen by placing the bottom 1/2 foot off the ground. They hop up onto it and then climb the ramp.

 

[Pullet Pimp]

I like the design for a urban backyard flock of 2-3. I agree with ltlchicken about being able to clean out the run under the coop. Maybe you could make a door for the run under the coop clean out door so you could rake it out every now and again. It would also make it easy to give you the option to free range them on certain days, if where you live allows you to do that.

I'm not a big fan of the mesh floors. If the mesh is fine grating as you stated the poo will not fall through to the trays (they leave some large size ones) and you will have a big mess on your hands with the chickens walking in it. I would make the floor wood and plan for adding a few inches of pine shavings. It will dry out the poo and with that small of area will clean out very easy. They way you have it designed you could just park a wheelbarrow under the small coop door and sweep it all in, add the new and you're done. Also, you will want to make sure you add some type of ventilation in the form of a vent and/or window. Not sure what climate you are in but all coops need ventilation. Plus, my girls LOVE to look out their window when they are in the coop and will make it easy for you to check on them when they are in the coop.

All in all a very nice design for the number of birds your considering.

And

 

[Renee]

Beautiful design.
I too wonder about the fine grating on the floor. Chicken poops are big, and they get stuck in the grating.
I find that my chickens only poop right under the roost, so it is easiest to just slide out a tray and throw it out every morning. I don't use shavings.

The thing I love best about my coop is the storage under the henhouse! It's so nice to have the food and oyster shell etc. right there. Take a look at my page to see what I mean.

 

[bluey]

That looks very similar in design to my coop, except I made mine wider and went with a simpler roof! Very functional with a front access panel for collecting eggs!

 

[bigmike&nan]

It's a great idea - the ramp probably will be a bit steep tho (as noted by someone else). Also consider lining the inside of the upstairs with a remnant of linoleum which we got at Lowes for like $9.00 (and only used half). It is SOOO easy to clean out.

Also the run is a teensy bit small - unless you are going to have bantam cochins (like we have).

Isn't the building and anticipation of HAVING the chickens living with you the best ??

 

[sunbury chick]

Bluey,
That white powder on the coop entrance,have they been eating powered doughnuts?