I finally got the chance to build a coop the way I wanted (the last one was an old shed I converted) and I figured I might as well make it nice.
Many thanks to all the great examples I've seen here, I cherry-picked my favorites.
Specs:
4x8 footprint
12" overhang on side eaves that are open and covered with hardware cloth for ventilation (16 sq/ft total)
2' overhang on front so I don't get rain down my back when peeping in on them
Nesting boxes accessed on the outside
Feeder is accessed on the outside and goes to trough on the inside
6 windows covered in hardware cloth and hinged frames with plexiglass. Lots of light in the winter, extra ventilation in the summer.
Pop door slides up on track
Painted it the yellow with white trim just like the house we had to move from in New Jersey. Loved that house.
Deep litter method used for bedding
Will be installing a solar powered automatic pop door soon.
Run is appx 20'x40' and I extended the fence up to 8' with chicken wire. I suspect the EEs could fly over it if they really wanted but not my giant Wyandotte.
I currently have 9 hens. 1 silver laced gold Wyandotte, 2 EEs, 1 EE/Marans, 2 blue Wyandottes, 1 Buff Orpington, 1 Black Sex Link, and 1 Barred Rock. Only 3 hens are laying so far.
Okay, the window to the front door isn't attached, but I couldn't wait and the day was perfect for taking pictures
Many thanks to all the great examples I've seen here, I cherry-picked my favorites.
Specs:
4x8 footprint
12" overhang on side eaves that are open and covered with hardware cloth for ventilation (16 sq/ft total)
2' overhang on front so I don't get rain down my back when peeping in on them
Nesting boxes accessed on the outside
Feeder is accessed on the outside and goes to trough on the inside
6 windows covered in hardware cloth and hinged frames with plexiglass. Lots of light in the winter, extra ventilation in the summer.
Pop door slides up on track
Painted it the yellow with white trim just like the house we had to move from in New Jersey. Loved that house.
Deep litter method used for bedding
Will be installing a solar powered automatic pop door soon.
Run is appx 20'x40' and I extended the fence up to 8' with chicken wire. I suspect the EEs could fly over it if they really wanted but not my giant Wyandotte.
I currently have 9 hens. 1 silver laced gold Wyandotte, 2 EEs, 1 EE/Marans, 2 blue Wyandottes, 1 Buff Orpington, 1 Black Sex Link, and 1 Barred Rock. Only 3 hens are laying so far.
Okay, the window to the front door isn't attached, but I couldn't wait and the day was perfect for taking pictures
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