Things you've learned while building your coop...

[vermontgal]

greenhorn - the 4 square feet per bird is coop space (inside). You also want good space in the run - for heavy breeds that is recommended at 10 square feet.

For lighter breeds, the recommendation is 3 square feet per bird inside; 7.5 square feet outside.

The reason to give them enough space - if your friends haven't filled you in - is to help prevent cannibalism. Cannibalism is much more likely in a smaller, confined space.

 

[FlashPointFarm]

Make sure birds can't roost on and poop in the nest boxes.

 

[mistylady]

Measure the door to be sure your equpiment like a full shovel of shavings will fit through easily and be sure your poop tray will go through the door flat!

Invest in good disposaable gloves for cleaning in your coop. The cheap ones tear too fast!

We had this thread going for a while. https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=91801
It was started out of frustration when building!

Also prepare yourself to add on to whatever run and coop you build. Chickens are addictive! So make it easy to add on to!

ETA If you have to step into your run to open your chicken door for them to go outside then make a spot to step that is mud proof (put a spot of gravel or something). Or you will step in mud, slip and fall and end up under your chicken ramp.

 

[agirly4chicks]

Quote:
That sounds like you are saying it from experience.

 

[kycklingar!]

Build a starter coop. Then convince friends to get chickens. Then pressure DH to build a bigger coop because the friends NEED YOUR COOP, soon!!!! Their babies are growing up! Then get more chickens.

 

[Zahboo]

Also, search and search for scrap wood. And take pics! People on here eat up on recycled wood.

 

[TammyTX]

Check Craigslist in your area. If you don't find a finished coop you like, a lot of times you can find sheds for not much money that can be made into coops.

...I'm allllll about CHEAP! ...or peep??

 

[onthespot]

Next time, before I ever got a chicken, I would knock on my neighbor's door, scream, yell, call him names, tell him to stuff it and THEN get chickens, and LOTS of roosters.

 

[Over Easy in Adna]

Quote:
Okay, I need the story on this one.

 

[Superman11383]

Quote:
I agree, Please tell the story