We are building a coop.... Looking for smart investments, and helpful additions.

[Spudlo]

My dad and I are building a chicken palace this year. It is going to be two sided for my two different flocks. The silkies on one side with the rest of the hens on the other. Each will be 8x8 with a large run like (16x16?) plus fenced in free range area (Which will come a bit later). The coop will be raised a couple feet with sand underneath for both dustbathing and a roofed in area. Not entirely sure where the roosting and stuff will be placed but I know the inside walls will be plywood underneath this: https://www.menards.com/main/floori...843p144/p-1552372161171.htm?primaryMeas=144.0
I am not sure what the siding material should be, recommendations would be great! The roof is going to be made from extra metal siding from our pole barn. We are thinking about doing a slanting roof so the coop is going to be around 8 feet tall at the peak and 4 ft at the lowest point. This way snow and rain will wash off. The coop will have electricity, running water already hooked up nearby, and so on.
Any suggestions/ add ons to help design this would be great. Thanks!!

It’s said that chickens prefer to roost flat footed. They keep their feet warmer and don’t tend to get sores.

I’m letting people know about this stuff. I was making roosts and ramps while we were having a door installed. I covered the 2x4 and 2x6 roosts and the ramps. The ramp had the little 2x2 steps on it and I just covered everything. It’s water proof, kinda grippy, and you can disinfect it. My girls can walk up so much easier and no longer get bumble foot!!

 

[3KillerBs]

Excellent ventilation is your best investment in the long-term health of your flock.

Chickens aren't fussy about their housing as long as they have space and fresh air.

 

[Ada06]

View attachment 2602281
It’s said that chickens prefer to roost flat footed. They keep their feet warmer and don’t tend to get sores.

I’m letting people know about this stuff. I was making roosts and ramps while we were having a door installed. I covered the 2x4 and 2x6 roosts and the ramps. The ramp had the little 2x2 steps on it and I just covered everything. It’s water proof, kinda grippy, and you can disinfect it. My girls can walk up so much easier and no longer get bumble foot!!

Oh cool! I will look into getting some!

 

[Ada06]

Excellent ventilation is your best investment in the long-term health of your flock.

Chickens aren't fussy about their housing as long as they have space and fresh air.

Yeah. I learned that the hard way this winter. Coop kits don't have great ventilation
Frost bite all around.