Shiloh Coop: Thoughts and Suggestions?

[GreenEggsNSpam]

Okay. So I think I've finally decided on a coop plan. Here it is....
http://www.mypetchicken.com/catalog...op-w-Run-Building-Plans-22-chickens-p926.aspx

I really wanted a bigger coop, but I've been trying to compromise with my sweet husband and downsize my wishes. And this is about as small as I'm willing to go. The coop is 6' deep, 9' tall at peek, 10' long by 7 1/2' wide. That should be big enough for a while at least, as I'm only starting with 7 hens (chicks are coming in July). I will add more over the years, but will try to add them in very small batches and keep my flock numbers below 20. Not sure if I'll get a roo yet.

So how big do you all think we should build the run? I'm trying to think ahead and plan for more than my starting 7. We have 5 acres and LOTS of predators of every variety, so I'm thinking a run is a MUST. I'd love to free range them, but I doubt they'll get to do that much unless I'm outside to keep watch.

I'd love to hear any thoughts or suggestions on my coop selection and how you might alter it, as well as thoughts on the size of the run. I totally plan on using hardware cloth and covering the top of the run as well with some kind of wire. Thanks for any of your thoughts!

 

[Judy]

Personally, I would prefer a roof that slanted in only one direction, so the ventilation can easily be installed at the high point of the coop. With a little overhang, it can be covered with hardware cloth only, providing the ventilation needed in cold weather without allowing snow or rain in. If the ventilation in that design is the windows, it will be cross ventilation, whereas ideally the air flow is up and out.

The rule of thumb for the run is 10 sq ft per chicken. You might consider roofing part of it to give them a snow free outdoor area in the winter.

Have you seen these?

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/...-go-out-there-and-cut-more-holes-in-your-coop

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/700308/coop-and-run-size/0_20#post_9504811

 

[conny63malies]

PlansD on Ebay has plenty of plans for sheds, coops, dog houses..... http://stores.ebay.com/PD-Plans-Design . I got two plans from them and really like them. Detailed plans, cutting list and tips. They have everything from a tiny 4x4 to huge sheds and run ins that fit a horse.

 

[GreenEggsNSpam]

The thoughts on ventilation are valid. I'll have to think how more can be added to this coop design. Regarding space, this coop will give me 60 square feet, so using the 4' rule, that's 15 birds. I don't think that 2 or three additional birds on top of that will break the bank, and will still allow for over 3'+ per bird. And that's inside the coop. I do intend on letting my birds out every day, and have reliable family and neighbors who will gladly see to them should I be out of town on vacation.

I totally intend to roof at least part of my run for nasty days, and will likely even tarp over additional parts of the run when it snows so they have more outside space. The question is how big to build the run and how much of it should be roofed?

I have looked at other coop plans and really don't want to go any smaller than this. And going bigger will intimidate my husband! LOL Not to mention the cost of building this. We really need to keep this below $1000. I mean that in itself is a LOT of money to us.

 

[MoonShadows]

I like the Shiloh. I bought the plans for it, but will be making a lot of modifications as far as larger size, a poop cleanout door, roost placement, run size, some strutural elements, etc. I just started building today. You can see what I have done so far and the changes I am making.by clicking "My Coop" under my avatar. I will be adding to it as I go. Another BYC member recently built the Shiloh closer to the plan specifications. You can see her coop at https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/das-huhnen-haus-in-the-texas-hill-country