What would you do differently?

[Wine-dotte]

Well we only have a wee coop so time to upgrade to a bigger, better chook-atarium! We will build ourselves from scratch. Was just wondering what you all think the best thing about your chooky residence is and what you would do differently next time?

Thanks for that

 

[iajewel]

Im also re-building my coop and the number one thing on my list is a place for a heated water bowl.. oh ya.. #2 is easy to clean, and ventalation.

 

[aiwetir]

there was a similar recent thread here

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=103039

 

[SussexInSeattle]

I think the most common thing in coop designs is that people never seem to think big enough. I was lucky to have an old barn large enough to fit a car. I will agree, definately make it so clean up is easy, having open areas under the roosting spots, also stagger the roosting spots so the birds stay clean but they are pretty much roosting together. Have nest boxes in one area and roost areas in a different area so they don't get tempted to roost in their work areas. (You don't want poop covered eggs)

 

[ncCHICKS]

Well, what I AM doing differently is:

BIGGER
Able to walk into
BIGGER
Building the roof larger than the coop to help with waterproofing
BIGGER
Built in nest boxes
Making a spot for hanging food and water
Bigger run built from stronger material.

Did I mention bigger?

 

[psrumors]

Quote:
I agree. I am not even finished with our 8x8 and wish I would have built bigger. Also, I wish I would have built with a dirt floor to use the deep litter method as compared to a wood floor.

 

[Wine-dotte]

So bigger is better then

we are aiming at about a 20 strong flock, they have 8ha of vineyard to free range on during the day, how many nesting boxes will I need? The last time we had chickens they used to nest any and everywher(an old canoe hanging from the shed roof, the old tobacco kiln furnace, you name it they nested there) never in the coop so would like to do things "properly" this time!

 

[Omran]

On friday I have finished with laying my electric to both coops and I did all underground utilities, if you can get electric and water to the coop, especially electric and electric outlets, then you can use a vacum cleaner, a fan, powertools for remodeling, heat, etc.
I don,t have water yet, but my budget is real tight at the moment,winter is almost here and construction business is suffering anyway due to the economic crises, but I am going to get the water to my coops next year.

Good Luck.

Omran.