We are building a first coop for 8 chickens. They are all hens. Can I get some suggestions on the Design? Also how far does the Roost need to be away from the wall? Thank you.
Ventilation! The number one most important thing in designing a chicken coop (in my opinion). Windows if they're operable do provide ventilation, but usually are too low to keep open year round. You don't want air blowing over your chickens as they roost on a cold winter night (that's what a draft is, and it's bad). Vents high on the north and south walls are great, even better if you have flaps to cover them so you can adjust the amount of ventilation so that there's more in the summer when you need to get rid of excess heat. Aim for 1 square foot of ventilation per chicken. If you haven't checked out PatandChickens' exemplary ventilation page, here it is: https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=1642-VENTILATION
Very nice! We are getting ready to move one of our roosts. It is currently around a foot from the wall, and is used by full-sized chickens. We will be rehanging the roosts about 2 feet from the wall because the birds currently "decorate" the wall at night with their droppings. Live and learn, lol. I love that your design allows gathering eggs from outside of the coop, yet you are inside out of the weather. It's great to have the separate storage area as well. Nicely planned!
We do have ventilation plans along the ceiling of the coop. We are just wondering more about the overall layout. Also what kinds of things should we plan on storing in the storage area. I am thinking straw, bedding, feed, medical supplies, coop shoes. Any other ideas?
Wow! Looks like a great plan! We'll eventually be storing feed, diatomaceous earth, chicken scratch, and cleaning implements in our storage room. I also hope to have a broody hen pen in there (or two if there's room). Rachel
