64sq ft coop for 6 chickens?

[rosemarythyme]

NatJ mentioned having a barrier at the door so the bedding doesn't fall out. Good idea. But, instead of screws, I might use little boards at each end so the board barrier can be slid in and out.

An even lazier method, I just put a couple of bricks on the ends of the 1x6 across the doorway. During cleaning I just move the bricks, rake the bedding out, and then put the board and bricks back.

 

[1dzn4brkfst]

so I have a place to keep a brooder/medical room, a permanent roost/poop tray set up, indoor nesting boxes (due to winter cold), with space for food, water, and a dust bath in the winter.

My biggest chicken coop regret is not thinking of these things. A place to store feed, oyster shell and unused equipment (heat lamps, chick feeders/waterers etc.) would be really nice. I have also wished for a way to have two chicken coops (convert to a duplex?) for flock replacement. When they get old and stop laying regularly, we need space for the replacement pullets, but don't really want to cull the old birds and buy supermarket eggs while we wait for the new birds to start laying.

 

[HowIsItDone]

My biggest chicken coop regret is not thinking of these things. A place to store feed, oyster shell and unused equipment (heat lamps, chick feeders/waterers etc.) would be really nice. I have also wished for a way to have two chicken coops (convert to a duplex?) for flock replacement. When they get old and stop laying regularly, we need space for the replacement pullets, but don't really want to cull the old birds and buy supermarket eggs while we wait for the new birds to start laying.

How many hens do you have?

 

[1dzn4brkfst]

I currently have about 20 hens. I usually start with about 25 plus 2-3 roosters.

 

[BitterrootChickenLady]

I live in norther NB Canada and it gets down to -30c(-24f) multiple times a winter here. We just have a thinly insulated coop and have vents that are high enough that it is above their roosts. None of our chickens have ever had an issue with the cold. When they are a little cold they just fluff out and keep themselves warm. We do use the long side of 2x4's for their roost so they can more easily cover their toes if they are cold. We just use a heated dog water dish for their water in the winter.

As for height I would make it a walk in one that is tall enough you can have ventilation above their roosts. And for overall size I always suggest go bigger as chicken math is a thing and if your 6 hens turn into 16 you will be happy with the extra space. Every year my flock seems to get bigger and bigger. I am building a new chicken house this year with a section for a brooder for babies in the future.

We have similar weather in western Montana. I am converting a 10' x 16' shed, for up to 20 hens, going to start with 10 likely. I think the coop is oversized for the amount of birds we will have. What do you recommend for ventilation?