What do we think about these plans?

[Purelychicks]

Promising concept drawing, but needs more detail before you start building or you'll make mistakes that could be costly to fix.

Where are you located? Climate matters, especially when it comes to housing, so if you put your general location into your profile we can give better-targeted advice.



Here's the math worked out to help you:

4 hens

• 16 square feet in the coop. 4'x4' is the only really practical build for this given the common dimensions of lumber.
• 4 feet of roost
• 40 square feet in the run. 4'x10' or 5'x8'. 6'x6' is a bit too small, 6'x8' is more generous and easier to build than 5'x8'.
• 4 square feet of ventilation. A 2'x2' window is theoretically enough, but in practice doesn't create any air FLOW so better to spread the venting around (and even better to exceed the minimums, especially in warm climates).
• 2 nest boxes, to give the hens a choice

6 hens

• 24 square feet in the coop. 4'x6' is the only really practical build for this given the common dimensions of lumber. If you can't walk into it, put the access door in the middle of the long side to make sure you can reach all areas of the coop because a stubborn chicken WILL press itself into/lay an egg in the back corner where you can't reach.
• 6 feet of roost
• 60 square feet in the run. 6'x10' or 8'x8'.
• 6 square feet of ventilation.
• 2 nest boxes, to give the hens a choice

VERY important.

I'm short so I can't reach the back wall of my 4x4 coop and have to get my DH or one of my tall sons to do it for me.

Also think about the ability to get to the area under the coop. What do you do when a chicken lays an egg back there? Or goes broody there? Or, alas, dies there?

Here's an excellent coop and run combo about the size you're considering: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/raptor-chickens-coop-build.78149/

Also, I live in Arkansas so for example it was 75•F today, and tomorrow it’s supposed to be 10•F

 

[Purelychicks]

Is the coop on the left and another building on the right?
Get some graph paper so you can draw it to scale,
with each square representing a foot or 6" or....whatever works.

I’m really really bad a drawing .. I was thinking 4x5 lifted coop (the run is on the right), and I’m not sure what measurements for the run yet.

 

[3KillerBs]

Also, I live in Arkansas so for example it was 75•F today, and tomorrow it’s supposed to be 10•F

So you'll want a lot of flexibility in your ventilation. This should help you figure that out: Repecka Illustrates Coop Ventilation

I’m really really bad a drawing .. I was thinking 4x5 lifted coop (the run is on the right), and I’m not sure what measurements for the run yet.

4x5 will be pretty cramped for 6 -- especially if you get heavy snow that confines them to their coop.

If you go with a 4x6 raised coop be sure to put the access door on the long wall and make sure you can reach every corner.

 

[aart]

I’m really really bad a drawing

Oh, I don't think so.
You've got a decent start there, just get some graph paper and keep trying.

Is the coop on the left and another building on the right?

So....what about this?

I live in Arkansas

Here's how to add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!

 

[Purelychicks]

So you'll want a lot of flexibility in your ventilation. This should help you figure that out: Repecka Illustrates Coop Ventilation



4x5 will be pretty cramped for 6 -- especially if you get heavy snow that confines them to their coop.

If you go with a 4x6 raised coop be sure to put the access door on the long wall and make sure you can reach every corner.

Also, I already have a really big coop with room for 20 extra chickens. This coop would just be for my “show chickens” or “fancy chickens.” And I only have 4. I said 6 in case I added but it’s doubtful.

 

[3KillerBs]

Also, I already have a really big coop with room for 20 extra chickens. This coop would just be for my “show chickens” or “fancy chickens.” And I only have 4. I said 6 in case I added but it’s doubtful.

That makes a difference then.