Time to Build Permanent Coop!!!

[crazychicken-chickk]

You should start a coop build thread to gather ideas and ask questions.

According to the Usual Guidelines,

15 hens

• 60 square feet in the coop. 8'x8' is easier to build than 6'x10'
• 15 feet of roost
• 150 square feet in the run. 10'x15', 12'x12' or 8'x20'
• 15 square feet of ventilation.
• 4 nest boxes.

Does the run have to be that large if they are free-range?

 

[crazychicken-chickk]

Mine came out pretty close. Doesn’t have all the bells and whistles but the girls love it!!
https://carolinacoops.com/shop/carolina-coop/

looks like it! thank you for the link, there are tons of great photos to use

 

[blazzin]

Does the run have to be that large if they are free-range?

No but it’s best to go bigger in case you have to lock them up.

 

[blazzin]

looks like it! thank you for the link, there are tons of great photos to use

I have lots of pictures if you need more. I photo documented the entire build.

 

[3KillerBs]

Does the run have to be that large if they are free-range?

Will you ABSOLUTELY free range ALL DAY, EVERY DAY of the year from sunrise to sunset so that your birds are NEVER confined to their coop? And will they have shelter from inclement weather in their ranging area so that hurricanes or blizzards don't keep them in the coop? (You can put your general location in your profile so we know what sort of weather and predator load you're likely to face).

If yes, you don't *need* a run at all.

If not, if they're going to be confined in their run because you're at work and only get to range on evenings and weekends or if severe winters will keep them in shelter for months, then shorting their space is likely to create both sanitation problems and social/behavioral problems.

Remember, these guidelines generally represent minimums. 4 square feet is the size of a doormat. 10 square feet is the size of that little guest bath/shower insert where you can barely wash your hair without banging your elbow on the wall and the shower curtain.

This thread has a lot of useful information: https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...ave-more-than-the-minimums-for-space.1462570/

 

[crazychicken-chickk]

I have lots of pictures if you need more. I photos documented the entire build.

sure! the more photos, the better!

 

[aart]

I have lots of pictures if you need more. I photos documented the entire build.

You should make an article with all you info.

 

[blazzin]

sure! the more photos, the better!

When do you plan on starting your build?

 

[crazychicken-chickk]

When do you plan on starting your build?

Probably in the next month or so, we are collecting as much wood as we can because of how expensive lumber is right now.

 

[3KillerBs]

Probably in the next month or so, we are collecting as much wood as we can because of how expensive lumber is right now.

Definitely start your own build thread.

Put up your flock info, your location, your ideas, any special conditions you need to deal with, etc. and you'll get plenty of targeted advice.