Tips for building first coop.

[Elina]

Hi!
I'm new to this whole chicken thing, and pretty soon my family and I will be building our first coop! I was just wondering if there are any tips or tricks that we should know beyond what you may read in any Pinterest-linked article.
A bit about our future coop and flock:
Unfortunately, the chickens won't be able to free range for the majority of the time (maybe very occasionally in a fenced in or otherwise safe space) so they will be kept in a run where we will make sure they have plenty space. We are thinking about a flock of five to eight hens-a mix of bantams and standards. The chicks are coming early summer so we'll have plenty of time to build. Also, we live in Wisconsin so we can have temperatures that range from below 0 to above 100 degrees, as well as lots of rainy days. Is there anything in particular we should know or consider?

Thank-you

 

[cavemanrich]

First thing to consider is the size of coop and run. Use the accepted guide of 4 square feet per chicken in coop, and 10 square feet of space per chicken in run.
Since you stated that most of the time they will be confined, it is also better to build larger if possible.
You do want happy chickens, and overcrowding is a major trouble maker in flocks.
In the LEARNING CENTER, at top of page click Articles. You will be taken to other options among them COOPS. There is a wealth of free information once read, will answer so many of your questions.
Once you make up your mind on your plan of attack, ask specific questions as to best execute your project.
We are here to help you out.
WISHING YOU BEST, and.....

 

[Elina]

Thanks for all the info!

 

[Rob Tof]

Ok basic stuff build it 2 times bigger then you want or need. Build will take longer then you think. It will cost more then you budget for. Ex. I built my coop for 8 chickens. Now after only a year I’ll be making my coop all over but 10x12 maybe 14. Y you ask I enjoy my chickens so much I’m going up to 20 birds in April. Good news is my coop works great for my 8 chickens. I will sell my first build and know I’m selling a great coop for 8 chickens.

 

[lazy gardener]

Agreed, build big. Don't waste money on a prefab. They are falsely advertised and poorly built. Lots of ventilation, lots of natural lighting. Covered run if you can afford it. Or even partly covered run to keep the weather out. Put wire (2 x 4 welded ) over the rest of the run, or use bird netting to cover the run in the non snow months. Make your coop a walk in. Short coops are not practical for meeting ventilation or space requirement needs. And they are not practical for deep litter management.

 

[Talithahorse]

Also as you build, think the logistics of taking care of the chickens. Things such as how you are going to feed and water, will you want to go into the coop each time or be able to feed from the outside. What about keeping the water flowing in winter (heat, lights, insulation, etc) Is it easy to clean? Does it have enough ventilation out of drafts? It is those little things that make a big difference. Our first coop we built with the idea that the chickens could use the underneath as shade. Unfortunately we did NOT think about the need for us to crawl under and get a chick who missed curfew and tried to sleep under the coop. (I would have made it 2 1/2 feet instead of 18 inches).

 

[lazy gardener]

Unfortunately we did NOT think about the need for us to crawl under and get a chick who missed curfew and tried to sleep under the coop. (I would have made it 2 1/2 feet instead of 18 inches).

Good point. I keep saying I'm gonna block off the underside of my coop. But, they love it under there. No way could I crawl under there... nor would I want to! When I need to get a reluctant camper out from under the coop, I use the hose on jet spray. It works like a charm!

 

[IdyllwildAcres]

This thread is worth a read:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...building-coops.1191089/page-133#post-19232799

Gary

 

[Talithahorse]

Good point. I keep saying I'm gonna block off the underside of my coop. But, they love it under there. No way could I crawl under there... nor would I want to! When I need to get a reluctant camper out from under the coop, I use the hose on jet spray. It works like a charm!

I shall have to try that. I have a long pole that I use to encourage them to come to the darkside.... uh I mean to the front.....

 

[Rob Tof]

Don’t think you need to build like every one else. This is my coop and pen. Pen was my kids broken down trampoline. Reused it added a door. Neibor welded the door frame for me. My design was based off a yurt. Coop was a kids play house I picked up off Craigslist for free. After two weeks I blew out the front and went up. I got tired of bending down to clean. Coop is perfect for my 8 chickens now. Only issue is to add 12 more it will be way to small. I started this adventure with my daughter as a bonding just before she went off to collage. She raised the chicks we built the coop and pen together. Great bonding. Never expected to enjoy the chickens as much as I do. There not just the egg layers. They follow me everywhere I go when I’m out in the yard. I find my chickens are great stress relievers. Working in my coop isn’t work it’s fun to me.