Tips for building first coop.

[Elina]

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.

Cool idea for a run! I'll have to see what we have lying around that could become a future chicken home.

 

[Rob Tof]

I used welded hardware cloth for the bottom 4 feet 8 inches under ground. I then bought a huge bird net online. Covered whole run. I then placed a round pool cover over it all. Hawks can’t get in from top or sides. I would not let them stay out in run at night would be real easy for possum or coon to get in kill them all. Chickens after dark are like little zombies. Very slow and no defense at night. I use night time for my nightly health checks. I freerange during the day so I like to get hands on and make sure everyone’s healthy.

 

[igorsMistress]

I agree with bigger than you think, and walk in for convenience.

Don't use hay or straw for your litter. They don't absorb moisture well and the ground will end up a sloppy, wet mess.

 

[Annemade]

I got my first chickens this past mothersummer day. I was given a prefab coop, quickly learned I wanted more space for both the hens and myself. I have lots of wildlife that would like to snack on my chickens, so safety was my first concern. Needed a safe run big enough for my girls to be in all the time. My second requirement was ease for me to work in, clean and maintain the coop. No stooping for me. I have 6 hens, the coop is 8 by 10 an the attached run is 10 by 12. From there I keep reading and learning until I had my design. Well worth all the work. Girls are happy and safe and I enjoy my time with them.

 

[CapricornFarm]

Think hard about location for your coop. If at all possible choose a sheltered and shady location far enough but not too far from your house. Not easy to move once built.
Forget chicken wire, will not keep anything out.