Topic of the Week - Building a Chicken Coop

[Radena]

I dont like exterior nest boxes that you raise the lid on. Alway disturbing a chicken getting ready to lay. Walking into the coop. Is less disturbing. Also I have had eggs freeze due to cold air blowing under the nest boxes.

 

[jeria]

Northern Minnesota is dang cold and winter is long. Here not so much. I can see how it could get pretty awful especially if chickens are locked in due to weather very much. Most winters are pretty mild with just a few days here and there with really cold or cold wind chills. Poopy feet don't appeal to me either.

 

[Bogtown Chick]

For sure Jeria! Lol.

That's the thing with coop building and chicken keeping you learn what works or what you need for your climate. Biggest tip of all: know your weather, know your chicken breeds.

 

[jeria]

Newbie, so this is a huge learning experience. I did choose breeds that are both fairly cold and heat hardy. I'm going to have to take many people's experience and try them out and see what works for me. So currently asking tons of questions to get opinions and advice. I currently can't say what I like or don't just what I might try. I do know my chicks are growing like crazy, they are getting pretty little feathers, like chopped hard boiled eggs, oatmeal, and yell at raspberries before they eat them. All info is so much appreciated.

 

[BYChickenAl]

Sadly I don't have a picture of my coop up here, but it is beautiful, IMO. I am fifteen, and built it 6' by 8' by 6' tall- completely by myself. It is not as hard as many of you fear!!!! I definitely suggest building your own.

- Do's and don'ts - What did you wish you did differently, or knew, when you built your coop?
Do: Make it walk in!!! My first coop was only 4' tall-- and omg, is it ever a pain to crouch while cleaning or checking injured or broody birds. Make it adjustable for all poultry types- I have tried ducks, quail, guinea fowl, chickens, and now have a rabbit with my chickens. Always plan it bigger than you want, because chicken math. Make the roosts movable, so you can remove them to clean, or for young birds or non-roosting fowl.
Don't: Forget ventilation! Do not! This is important and personally, I suggest at least half of the vents to be closable (I live in Northern Alberta, so this is important.) Don't forget a window, and don't make it too big.
I wish I had known that one of my chickens may be unable to roost, and made a removable roost close to the ground for her- I feel for her constantly. I also wish I had made removable nest boxes- trying to catch little chicks cornered up in a box is difficult.

- What materials would you recommend (or not) and why?
When building, I suggest using paint rather than treated wood, it is cheaper and paint allows you to be creative. My birds also enjoy seeing how dusty they can make my white walls before I clean them. I also recommend stick with one material, as it will make cleaning and maintenence easier. Use 1/2'' or 1/4'' hardware cloth over all vents, and I like my Dutch door (two-piece), a lot, because it is less work and easy for my brothers to collect eggs.

- Coop size(s)?
My coop has adequate square feet for 24 birds, if the roosts are managed well and they have all-day access to free range (I 'free range' my birds in a fenced area of about 500 square feet, soon to be more.)
When building your coop, double the square feet you want for the amount of birds and try to average at about 3 or 4 square feet a bird. That depends on their living situation, for example, birds cooped up all the time should have 8-10 square feet. You should plan your coop for twice the amount of birds you want. Keep in mind, ducks- 3-4 sq ft, geese- 6-8 square feet, chickens- 2-4 square feet, quail- 1-2 square feet, etc.

- Money saving tips for coop builders?
Use paint instead of treated wood. If you still wish to use treated wood, keep in mind it does not paint as well as other types of wood. Always double measure your wood too, so you don't waste anything!

- Anything you'd like to add?
Make sure your coop fits your budget. With time and commitment, everyone can make a plan that suits them and their budget. And when you do move those chickens in, they will absolutely adore it!

Only 15 and building your own coop. You're way ahead of a lot of kids your age. Love your attitude!

 

[jeria]

Only 15 and building your own coop. You're way ahead of a lot of kids your age. Love your attitude!

Agreed!!

 

[Kassaundra]

I live where we have long hot summers (high 90's for most w/ several weeks over 100 and high humidity) followed by cold winters (most winters) snow, ice, below freezing, wet springs w/ wind and hail.

SHADE is a must in my area.

Raised coop provides deep cool shade and dry outside when it is raining, and no snow when it is snowing, basically "doubles" the coop space during inclement weather during the day.

VENTILATION both permanent high up (just under the roof) and summer. During the summer we remove the wall covering on two walls (for us the east and west) Those walls have double wire cover so when the solid walls part are removed they are still protected from preditors. Both those sides have roof type covering to keep those openings shaded.

I prefer all the roosts to be at the same level so no fighting over highest roost nobody getting pooped on.

Sand floor, stays dry, easy cleaning

 

[Welshies]

Only 15 and building your own coop. You're way ahead of a lot of kids your age. Love your attitude!

Thank you, it means a lot.

 

[lazy gardener]

Kudos to you Welchies for building your coop. You are an inspiration!

 

[Welshies]

Kudos to you Welchies for building your coop. You are an inspiration!

Thank you