Tips For First Time Chicken Owners/Coop Builders

[NikkisChix]

So here I am, about to embark on the great chicken adventure and I'm looking for some great tips and tricks! No need to reinvent the wheel right??
(I will have 6-8 hens)

What's the best coop design?
Sand as coop litter? In run?
Covered run?
Poop boards?
Best roosts?
Inside coop layout?

Thanks guys- you're input is much appreciated!

 

[mmmooretx]

NikkisChix,
I am also very new, no coop yet. I am looking at "The Garden Coop" for 8 hens (no roosters) as a good concept for where I live in town. So our goals are not that far off. Their web site is:
http://www.thegardencoop.com/
There are many answers to designs and they are all many personal preferences put into what works for your site and preferences. I am still searching and making design decisions. I am still reading a lot on this site which has a vast amount of information and I have also found the members very helpful. I expect that I will start building in the next two weeks and will complete within 6 weeks. Hopefully I will purchase 8 pullets to get a head start on getting some eggs..
Best of luck!
Mike

 

[chfite]

Here is a good, free design to use for your planning. http://poultry.purinamills.com/NUTRITIONMANAGEMENT/HenHouseHutchDesign/

For coop litter, pine shavings are popular and work well. Sand in the run works well. 2 x 4 or other flat board works well for the roost. Chickens sit things,not perch, so a flat surface is good. Large tree branches would work as well.

Chris

 

[shmeggs]

no matter what coop design you choose remember you need 4 square feet per chicken in your coop. also be sure they have enough roosting room.