The Coop we built this weekend...(critique please)

[JudyMcKinn]

I would like to suggest that if you put a window in the coop, you make it one that will open, with hardware cloth behind it (I mean the wire inside the coop, the glass on the outside). This way, if they flop around inside, they can't break the glass because of the wire, and also put a hinge on the window, so it will open in warm/hot weather, or they will suffocate or be very uncomfortable) inside the coop at night. They do need some light inside the coop, so they can see to go in and lay their eggs, etc. And the glass will warm the coop in cold weather by the sun shining thru the glass. (but same in summer, thus the need for the window to be some type you can open) You will probably want your feeder inside, also, so that your feed doesn't get wet when it rains, or during the night if you have a heavy dew.
If you get to wanting more space inside, I would suggest that 1, or a maximum of 2, nest boxes is all you need, and you could glean quite a bit of space by eliminating 2 or 3 of the ones you have if need be. I think the rule is about 8 or 10 hens to a nest box.
All this said, the coop looks great, and a great job has been done on it. These are just suggestions I have learned the hard way.

 

[La Banan]

Hi Sarah - nice job!
My two cents is don't insulate. You don't need to in Georgia, you don't even need to in the true north strong and free. Chickens are insulated. Just make sure there is ventilation and no drafts. That it is dry too because there is nothing madder than a wet hen.
Jan la banan.

 

[tackyrama]

Quote:
I agree with Jan, however depending on what breed of chicken and other factors insulation is needed in cold climates such as Minnesota. Years ago we had some chickens freeze to death. We were renting an old farmstead and the old round coop just wasn't up to the job.