trying to decide on coop type...

[kaiser]

the family and i are ready to start our backyard flock, we're thinking 4-5 rhode island reds.
we live in northwest connecticut. we got a lot of snow last winter.

i'm a pretty handy guy and can build anything as long as i have plans. i'm leaning towards something similar to the a-frame "ark" i've seen around the net.
i have a couple of questions before i make my decision:

where do chickens roost in a-frames? every one i've seen has no roosting space, just run, hen house and nesting boxes.
DLM doesn't look like it's possible with a smaller a frame like i'd need for 4-5 reds. not the end of the world but i was considering DLM.
can they winter in an a-frame? a-frames are quite a bit smaller then the traditional coop. i'd hate for them to be unhappy wintering in a structure too small.
or is it ok because the run is under the a-frame?

i'm not 100% sold on the a-frame, just very interested. i'll be building it this summer, preparing for chicks in the spring.


one last question, regarding forum abbreiviations, what the heck does DH stand for? dear husband? lol

thanks,

pete-

 

[7L Farm]

I'm not familar with the roost your talking about but here's how I build mine.

 

[kaiser]

here are a couple of pics i've found:

 

[TheJuan-n-Only]

You could make a taller A frame...there is one of our members that has one of the coop pages. The run is on the side rather than under the hen house....I just finished building my coop and looked into a frames but went a different way...good luck!

https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=38174

 

[TheJuan-n-Only]

I should add that the reason I didn't want the run under was to make it easier on me when it comes to clean up....a walk in run was the way to go for me!

 

[Ridgerunner]

I've never built an A-frame, partly because I could not figure out the roosting problem without it getting pretty big, but also because I like to use the area under the overhang for ventilation. Speaking of ventilation, I'll give you links to some articles that I think will really help you, especially the ventilation and muddy run articles.

Pat’s Big Ol' Ventilation Page
https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=1642-VENTILATION

Pat’s Cold Coop (winter design) page:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=1642-winter-coop-temperatures

Pat’s Big Ol' Mud Page (fixing muddy runs):
https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=1642-fix-a-muddy-run

I suggest you look at a 4' x 8' elevated coop with one side higher than the other for slope so rain runs off. (Don't forget snow load when building it.) Put enough overhang on it so you can put ventilation under the overhang and give it enough height so they can roost out of drafts below that cross ventilation. Although the 4x8 may be a little bigger than you think you need, in a snowy climate the extra space will come in real handy. I find it is a lot less work managing them if you have some extra space. Also, most building materials come in 4' and 8' dimensions. You can usually build something this size for not a lot more money than a smaller one.

DH is a pretty general term. It does stand for husband, but whether he is dear, darn or something else is pretty loosely defined.

 

[gabe4223]

Im sort of biased because Im really happy with my run. I used a trampoline. look at My Page

https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=95193

 

[kaiser]

thanks ridgerunner.

the ventialtion, and roost issues are what's making me second guess my original plan.

these types of coops seem to be popular in the uk, probably due to space constraints.
i do have limited space but i think i'll build an elevated 4x6 or 4x8 coop, like you said.

i'd like to add that this is a clandestine operation, aka town zoning prohibits poultry. bah! to that.

thats why i'm trying to keep the coop reletively small.

i'm a Dear Husband personally. atleat i think i am. lol

 

[WhiteMountainsRanch]

I personally like a more permanent coop and run. Once it's done, it's secure and safe and I don't have to worry about it. Just rake it out every few weeks and that's it.

Here is my baby coop: