The Hen Den

[Old Bear]

Hello. Long time lurker on this site but this may be my first post. I used information I learned from this forum to design and build my first first coop and run (retired engineer by trade). I purchased a used 8x12 coop off a family that was moving and heavily modified the interior by wiring for electricity, building cabinets, and a poop tray. I built the 14x16 run myself to complement the coop. My wife and I just finished landscaping around the coop & run this past weekend so I thought I would share a few pics of the completed project. A big thank you to everyone for sharing their experiences with their own coops. I’m a new chicken owner so wanted to get it right the first time.

 

[Wolfefarmyard]

It looks gorgeous!!!

You did a fantastic job! I love the landscaping too! It adds so much more character!

 

[Peepsi]

Wow... I am suddenly jealous. That is GORGEOUS. There's so much space! Looks amazing.

 

[Sarahs Hens]

WOW That is incredible! You did such an amazing job! I may be new but I think this is the nicest one I've ever seen.. You even added gutters! Those are going to be some spoiled little chickos! I love the flowers and the little path too

 

[trumpeting_angel]

I think I could live in there. The chickens would have to go somewhere else.

The cleome is beautiful, too!

Welcome to BYC! Be sure to post on the Introduction forum so we can get to know you and the experts can show you the ropes.

 

[aart]

Wowser!!
Looks like you got all the best ideas incorporated...
....except no soffit venting?

Oh, and...Welcome to BYC! @Old Bear
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, (laptop version shown), then it's always there!

 

[Old Bear]

Hodgenville, Kentucky (central part of the state). Im still evaluating ventilation. If you look at the interior pictures you can see the oak boards used to construct the the coop were not exactly straight and there are sizable gaps between the boards. I sealed up the gaps around the bottom of the coop but left the gaps around the top for ventilation. Im concerned it might be a little drafty so Im going to monitor a while before making any changes.

 

[aart]

Im concerned it might be a little drafty so Im going to monitor a while before making any changes.

Probably not.
Is the roof ridge open?

 

[trumpeting_angel]

How many chickens will live in this resort? Minimum square footage is 4 sq. ft. per bird. Ventilation should equal 1 sq. ft. per bird - more than most of us imagine.

Will there be a swimming pool? Dining and dancing? Casino nights? That place sure looks fine ...

 

[Old Bear]

The roof ridge is closed. The previous coop owner had a LOT of chickens using the coop for over a year and I didnt find much evidence of mold/mildew which would have been indicative of excess moisture or condensation buildup. It will be easy to install a couple more vents if it becomes necessary. I currently have 8 chicks and dont plan to have more than a dozen.