Thinking about this for my 3. . .

[LeeHoll]

What do you think? This gives me a 4 x 8 coop, room underneath for shade, movable, plenty of roost and nest space for some creative chicken math. . . but I would want to insulate the roof probably, more for heat than cold protection on the eastern shore of VA. Opinions, ideas, anyone?



T That is a screen door propped against the roost. May have to change the bars to 2 x 4s for my roo.

 

[biophiliac]

Done the right way, insulation at the ceiling could keep extra heat out of the coop. You have a metal roof? Cant tell from your pic if there is a gap between the walls and the roof? Ideally you would have a gap under the roof overhang, covered with hardware cloth and open 24/7, 365 for ventilation. This is up high enough that it should not create a draft on the roost area. Believe me, you do not want to think in terms of holding heat in but rather keeping it out. Also you want an air vent down low so as to draw in fresh air from the bottom that exits through the upper venting, taking with it the moisture and amonia from chicken breathing and pooping. Besides a strong draft, the other thing to watch for in cold weather is that you do not get moisture condensing on the ceiling which then 'rains' down on the birds causing frostbite. You can always add more vents if you need them based on your observations. A lot of how you manage your birds will depend on your specific location. If you at least put your state in your profile, people can help you more. I think your birds will love their home.

 

[biophiliac]

What do you think? This gives me a 4 x 8 coop, room underneath for shade, movable, plenty of roost and nest space for some creative chicken math. . . but I would want to insulate the roof probably, more for heat than cold protection on the eastern shore of VA. Opinions, ideas, anyone?



TView attachment 551699 View attachment 551701 That is a screen door propped against the roost. May have to change the bars to 2 x 4s for my roo.

Wow that looks real nice. I would NOT put insulation, even here in Wisconsin. A well ventilated, draft free roosting area is key. Chicken find heat and humidity to be more problematic than cold. Again, that looks like a great coop!

 

[biophiliac]

Will you have an attached run? I wrapped 3 sides of my run with clear plastic shower curtains from the Dollar Store in winter to stop the wind and the birds came out to enjoy the sun in temps at zero and below.

 

[21hens-incharge]

I like it! Finally a coop that does not include nest boxes in the floor size!

I agree with changing the roost to a more substantial one.

 

[LeeHoll]

We will be allowing the flock the run of the yard as long as I am home, which is most of the time . Otherwise there will be a safe run for them to be outside. I was wondering if insulating the ceiling would help with the heat?

I love that it is wheeled, that will allow me to change location for summer (under the trees) and winter (against the south side of the barn).

Thanks for the input. Love the shower curtain idea biophiliac. And since I want a good broody hen to raise chicks, the extra nest boxes will be helpful.

 

[biophiliac]

There was a very interesting experiment that @mobius conducted last winter measuring temps and humidity, inside and outside the coop that I believe supports my point.

 

[jolly wattles]

It's not big enough for 40 chickens! You'll want 40 chickens! Geesh. People.

 

[jeria]

There was a very interesting experiment that @mobius conducted last winter measuring temps and humidity, inside and outside the coop that I believe supports my point.

Should the lower vent also be open 24/7? Also which wall? Does it matter? For me the prevailing winds all year come from the west/southwest with occasional switches to from the north for some winter storms. As I learn more from everyone I seem to be revising my rough coop plans daily.

 

[LeeHoll]

Done the right way, insulation at the ceiling could keep extra heat out of the coop. You have a metal roof? Cant tell from your pic if there is a gap between the walls and the roof? Ideally you would have a gap under the roof overhang, covered with hardware cloth and open 24/7, 365 for ventilation. This is up high enough that it should not create a draft on the roost area. Believe me, you do not want to think in terms of holding heat in but rather keeping it out. Also you want an air vent down low so as to draw in fresh air from the bottom that exits through the upper venting, taking with it the moisture and amonia from chicken breathing and pooping. Besides a strong draft, the other thing to watch for in cold weather is that you do not get moisture condensing on the ceiling which then 'rains' down on the birds causing frostbite. You can always add more vents if you need them based on your observations. A lot of how you manage your birds will depend on your specific location. If you at least put your state in your profile, people can help you more. I think your birds will love their home.

I did put in my post that we will be using this coop on the eastern shore of Virginia, but right now I am in PA and using a converted dog kennel for my flock. I do understand about the ventilation, and I will have to check about that under the eaves, I think it has ventilated soffit rather than hardware cloth, and the ridge cap has the fiber stuff to keep bugs out but lets air vent. I can always pop more vents in as needed. As you pointed out, it is the condensation I will have to watch for.

Yes the windows open and yes they are covered with hardware cloth.

My dear hubby is actually thinking about building this rather than me purchasing it. That would allow me to make any changes that I want.

Thanks for the input!