Starting my permanent coop!

Wubba

Songster
Jun 22, 2022
58
145
103
Northwest Indiana
I started the foundation last fall, prior to getting the chicks. I was designing based on a plan that I liked. I laid it out and leveled it (4x6 house, 6x12 total with attached run). I did back and looked at my handy work. Man, that's small!?
I got my chicks in the spring, have them in the temp coop (purchased from TSC) right next to the permanent location. Seeing the chicks in action, now only two months old... even though they recommend 10sqft per bird, I can now see that's a minimum. I know it's common to see the advice to build the coop before you get the chicks... in my case, as a first timer, I'm actually glad I didn't build it first. I wouldn't have been satisfied...definitely need to make it bigger. Plus, chicken math IS going to happen. 😆
Final decided size (keeping local codes in mind) is 6x6 house (will be elevated to utilize space underneath) 10x12 total footprint. A roof will cover the entire thing.
I finally got the foundation completed and topped the blocks with pavers. I've attached photos... showing the 6x12 from last year and the new expansion, completed yesterday.
 

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Well, my project is wrapping up; I'm just adding the finishing touches now. My plans worked out beautifully. I was able to move the chickens in last night. Next, I will be doing a few things to prepare for winter.
A few notes:
The elevated hen house is 6x6. The whole thing is 10x12. My nest box is slightly over-sized, so that I have enough room to make the inside of it a 'roll-away'. (It's front-opening, not top-opening.)
The inside is lined with NRP sheets...waterproof, cheap. They are a pebbled-matte finish (not slippery!). Overall it was more cost-effective to install than linoleum and easier too. I'm SUPER happy with it.
The front windows (1/4" plexiglass) have slide-off hinges, so they are completely removeable, if I choose.
The three roost bars are all 2x4s and removeable. (Shown here all stacked on the rear cleats...I had just completed installation of my flooring.)

I will be back to add more photos and posts.
 

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