Well, I'll get right to it: I'm designing my own chicken coop based on various articles I've ready about what's important to have in a coop, and based on my site. I am also considering using this design to build with a friend to sell to others as part of a business. So, of course I would like to get it right, and would love to have any advice from all of you folks.
Here are the things I've considered/desired in designing this coop (Dimensions 4' W x 6' L x 4'3" H):
1) Keep off the ground to avoid rodents and control moisture better
2) Add ventilation gap and only use batten strips to cover wall board gaps, as well as loosely fitted sheet metal on the roof so there is proper ventilation (live in New England)
3) 1 window for some light but not more to save on costs
4) A 2nd smaller door in the main door only for chickens (not in design yet) to keep out most wind in winter
5) My special feature: a hinged outer "door" behind the boxes so eggs can be retrieved without entering the coop
6) Chicken boxes 18" off of the ground and centered at height of roosting poles so most chickens will sleep on the poles and not in the boxes
7) Chicken boxes attached directly to structural 2x4s for strength and to allow draft free connection to hinged "door"
8) Used 2x4s exclusively for structural members, 1" flooring and wall boards. Battens are 2" wide by 1/2" deep. Posts are pressure-treated 4x4s.
There are probably other items as well, but these were most of them. What I'd like most help on are the following:
1) Is the design of the hinged "door" behind boxes and the boxes themselves good enough to keep out drafts?
2) Is it easy to add a smaller chicken door conveniently but securely?
3) Should insulation be added between the sheet metal and the roof frame to keep down drafts, if so how much?
4) Possibility to add poop removal "door", or some pane at the same level as the floor where I can easily push out droppings
5) Any other creative or helpful thoughts anyone might have!
I have had chickens before but never built my own house. I am in the process of building a chicken tractor but of course that has different considerations. Really want to make this house a good one so help is much appreciated. I've attached my designs so far, as well as where I plan to place the house in its own run. Thank you for any help!
Here are the things I've considered/desired in designing this coop (Dimensions 4' W x 6' L x 4'3" H):
1) Keep off the ground to avoid rodents and control moisture better
2) Add ventilation gap and only use batten strips to cover wall board gaps, as well as loosely fitted sheet metal on the roof so there is proper ventilation (live in New England)
3) 1 window for some light but not more to save on costs
4) A 2nd smaller door in the main door only for chickens (not in design yet) to keep out most wind in winter
5) My special feature: a hinged outer "door" behind the boxes so eggs can be retrieved without entering the coop
6) Chicken boxes 18" off of the ground and centered at height of roosting poles so most chickens will sleep on the poles and not in the boxes
7) Chicken boxes attached directly to structural 2x4s for strength and to allow draft free connection to hinged "door"
8) Used 2x4s exclusively for structural members, 1" flooring and wall boards. Battens are 2" wide by 1/2" deep. Posts are pressure-treated 4x4s.
There are probably other items as well, but these were most of them. What I'd like most help on are the following:
1) Is the design of the hinged "door" behind boxes and the boxes themselves good enough to keep out drafts?
2) Is it easy to add a smaller chicken door conveniently but securely?
3) Should insulation be added between the sheet metal and the roof frame to keep down drafts, if so how much?
4) Possibility to add poop removal "door", or some pane at the same level as the floor where I can easily push out droppings
5) Any other creative or helpful thoughts anyone might have!
I have had chickens before but never built my own house. I am in the process of building a chicken tractor but of course that has different considerations. Really want to make this house a good one so help is much appreciated. I've attached my designs so far, as well as where I plan to place the house in its own run. Thank you for any help!
