What About a Foyer?

[3KillerBs]

If you will have a human door that opens and closes like a regular one, whether you buy it or build it, I would not worry about the chickens flying out when you go in. That has never been an issue with my coop, but pay attention when you enter or leave. If you want that area for storage go ahead. But I would not go to the extra expense or work just because I was worried that the chickens might escape.

I agree.

Once in a while a bird -- especially a youngster -- slips past me when I'm bringing buckets in and out, but with 2 people available I can always recapture it.

 

[fuzzi]

When you get to it, I found this to be an easy approach to a door. I stole the idea from @res I raised my door off the ground some like @dheltzel so that I wouldn't have to worry about snow blocking the door. While I'm glad I did, if you don't have much snow, having it lower makes it easier to get things in and out. But, if you plan to build up wood chips or something like that, be sure to keep that in mind when you build your door.

Sometimes a hen will jump up as I open the door. But, a gentle nudge with the foot puts her back on the right side of things.


View attachment 3385039

We don't get much snow, but I've seen other hoop coops with a raised door. Since I will probably use a deeper litter it could be a plus. Thanks for sharing.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Easy way to keep birds from just walking out of a run:

The white "gate" is just a closet shelf that's held in place by bungee cords. I can leave the run gate open while I walk in and out to do cleaning or maintenance, and for the most part the chickens will respect the mini gate and stay in.

Because it's removable I can also take it down as needed to cart materials in and out of the run.

 

[Brooks_]

the chickens will respect the mini gate and stay in.

Mine would not. But maybe if that's all they knew?....Worth a try.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Mine would not. But maybe if that's all they knew?....Worth a try.

My younger birds (and some bouncier ones) will hop it sometimes. If they do I just unhook one side, open it up, and shoo them back in - very easy.

 

[fuzzi]

Easy way to keep birds from just walking out of a run:
View attachment 3385264

The white "gate" is just a closet shelf that's held in place by bungee cords. I can leave the run gate open while I walk in and out to do cleaning or maintenance, and for the most part the chickens will respect the mini gate and stay in.

Because it's removable I can also take it down as needed to cart materials in and out of the run.

I have two wire shelves from a refrigerator that died and was hauled away.

 

[dheltzel]

Here's the arch diagram that was shared with me:View attachment 3384730

Wish I had that when I built mine, I did the math in my head with what I remembered from HS geometry. Got close enough to call the difference "overlap with the bottom boards".

 

[fuzzi]

Wish I had that when I built mine, I did the math in my head with what I remembered from HS geometry. Got close enough to call the difference "overlap with the bottom boards".

@gtaus was the one who shared that chart. It's been very helpful.

 

[SueT]

I used to have a 12” barrier to step over as I entered the run. The chickens were deterred by that. I did trip over it more than once when carrying stuff in.
Then we enlarged the run and built a new gate in a different location. This time there is no barrier to step over and I find that no one tries to get out when I open it. Sometimes, tho, a lower pecking order hen will be forced out in the midst of a kerfuffle, the open gate being the safest avenue of escape. They don’t go far, all they want is to get back in w the flock (when the coast is clear.)

 

[fuzzi]

When you get to it, I found this to be an easy approach to a door. I stole the idea from @res I raised my door off the ground some like @dheltzel so that I wouldn't have to worry about snow blocking the door. While I'm glad I did, if you don't have much snow, having it lower makes it easier to get things in and out. But, if you plan to build up wood chips or something like that, be sure to keep that in mind when you build your door.

Sometimes a hen will jump up as I open the door. But, a gentle nudge with the foot puts her back on the right side of things.


View attachment 3385039

I have a question about your wood door frame: how is it attached? There's no bottom board that would give it more stability.

Also, are those 2x4s or 4x4s?

If you have a build thread I would love to see it, for the details.

@Krugerrand