Totally noob chicken farmer wanna be NEEDS HELP with coop design

[Wisher1000]

The first thing you need is a plan. If you HAVE to start this weekend, start smart. First, you want up to 10 chickens. Rule of thumb on minimum space is 4 square feet inside space and 10 square feet outside space. I always recommend to double that. If you double it, anticipating chicken math to kick in and allowing PLENTY of room if it doesn't (but it will) and then see if your space allows that size of an enclosure.

Next, I suggest you start with a covered run. It will be easier to build, and will do until you know what you want. It will always be useful, even if you change your mind about some things in the future (and you will.)

With me so far?

 

[Chicchiricchich]

Roger that.... by starting this weekend I meant clearing up the area where I want to put the chicken coop... as far as construction I would like to start gathering some basic materials.. such posts .. I do not have a plan and if I need to purchase one online I'm ok with that as well, my carpentry skills are close to a big fat 0 LOL

 

[Wisher1000]

No need to buy a premade plan I (WE) will help you, that's what we do here

. Do you live in a neighborhood or are you out a ways? How much space do you have to dedicate to a chicken complex?

 

[Beekissed]

You might consider the VERY easy, very cheap hoop style construction of cattle panels on a 2x4 base. No real building skills required, doesn't even take two people if you do it properly. They can be very cute if you do creative things with a brown tarp after you erect the bones of the project.

It is fast, it is adaptable, it is movable, it is sturdy and it can be deconstructed easily in a very short amount of time. It can be shady and breezy in the summer and can be insulated from the cold by judiciously placed hay bales in the winter. It can be predator-proofed easily, according to what kind and where you place your overlay wire and it will last you a long time if you cover it correctly.

Sawsall~around $20
Cattle panels~$22-$23 per, 2-3 needed
Zip ties
Treated 2x4~4
untreated 2x2~depends on what bracing style, etc., you want to use
Fencing staples
Nylon rope~if you want to attach for pulling to another location
Tarp~price varies
*I use an old cargo net over my tarping, as it keeps it from flapping in the wind and makes for a neat appearance.
Hardware cloth or welded wire for overlay and/or bottom
Wood screws
Bungee cords * optional

Since I have a LGD that takes care of any and all preds, I am using plastic deer net over my cattle panels, just for the purpose of keeping chooks inside if I need them to be penned for one reason or another(cheap solution). Also, I won't be having the wire bottom for the same reason...not needed with the dog in residence.

The one pictured here is a basic model and not mine but you get the idea of the possibilities from such a structure..one can make it as nice or as simple as they wish:

 

[Chicchiricchich]

we live in Charlotte NC.... about 30 minutes away from downtown, I'm allowed to a max of 6 hens (no roosters), my property roughly 1/2 acre (total) backs up to a park, we are in a quiet neighborhood, I'm thinking that the right back corner of my yard might be the best bet.. it's shaded and I also have an old shed that could be fixed up to store supplies.... I do have 2 large dogs so will need to keep them out of the coop as they would probably feast on the hens, one other concern are owls and hawks... I know that there are couple that live in the woods right next to our property

 

[Chicchiricchich]

would this material work?
http://charlotte.craigslist.org/mat/2843591384.html

 

[conny63malies]

did you check Ebay? there are several sellers that offer plans for coops. they got plans for 3 to 30 chickens. i own plans from the sellers shed101 http://www.ebay.com/itm/4x7-Barn-St...761?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item415aaf0501 and also poorfish1 http://www.ebay.com/sch/Agriculture...atref=1&_ssn=poorfish1&_trksid=p3911.c0.m1538. I just ordered plans for a small coop with a 4x4 foot print and a 2x4 sleeping area that will be used for broodies, injured and newby birds in the future.

 

[Wisher1000]

would this material work?
http://charlotte.craigslist.org/mat/2843591384.html

I'm not sure, but it looks like vinyl siding to me......

I laughed when you said you have a 6 hen limit. If you are one of the people who will strictly adhere to the legal limit. It makes things easier. That means a much smaller enclosure will likely last as long as you need it to. If you are the renegade who is willing to chance it, chicken math will win out and it will have to house more than that!

 

[OkChickens]

we live in Charlotte NC.... about 30 minutes away from downtown, I'm allowed to a max of 6 hens (no roosters), my property roughly 1/2 acre (total) backs up to a park, we are in a quiet neighborhood, I'm thinking that the right back corner of my yard might be the best bet.. it's shaded and I also have an old shed that could be fixed up to store supplies.... I do have 2 large dogs so will need to keep them out of the coop as they would probably feast on the hens, one other concern are owls and hawks... I know that there are couple that live in the woods right next to our property

Old Sheds make great coops! They cost little to nothing to put a few roosts in and a nest box or 2. I remember you said your on a budget and if you were to clean out this shed and maybe paint it it would cost very little. Just a thought of recycling an old shed! Keep us posted on your progress!

Nate

 

[Beekissed]

I agree! Old sheds make for the best coops...you don't really have to worry about cutting them up for doors, windows, pop doors, installing roosts and boxes, etc.