Building my first coop/run

[juhesihcaa]

Just got my first chickens 3 days ago after years of thinking and dreaming.

Admittedly, did things a bit backwards but today, myself and my husband worked on getting a run/coop framed out.

This was the basic framework for the structure itself.


Here is the final progress that was made today

We still need to do a lot between hardware cloth, roofing, painting, and (maybe?) siding.

It's kind of hard to explain but that red area is going to be the actual coop area with nesting boxes. I'm pretty tall and my husband is basically a giant so we really need to maximize height for us because we both have back issues.

We DO have a fully fenced in backyard for them to explore but this will be the secure area for them. That big red building behind it will act as a wind and weather block as that's the direction it typically comes from.

I am torn between solid roofing the entire top (and yes, we need to add more roof studs) OR only solid roofing 2/3 of the top and using hardware cloth on the remaining portion to give more access to sunlight. Any suggestions? Also, the reason for the full enclosed sides- we have multiple neighbors who have dogs that are kept outdoors basically 24/7. I didn't want those dogs barking and and scaring my birds. In addition, while it's not illegal to have birds or rabbits in town, I don't want anyone making a fuss over the noise. I figure this way will tamp down the noise.

If you have any suggestions or feedback, I welcome it but this is my first coop so, be gentle.

 

[ThatsMyPurseIdontknowyou]

Thats a heckin good lookin coop if I don't say so myself.

But I do. Because I built most of it with @juhesihcaa's help

 

[A_Sparrows_Song]

Just got my first chickens 3 days ago after years of thinking and dreaming.

Admittedly, did things a bit backwards but today, myself and my husband worked on getting a run/coop framed out. View attachment 3985711

This was the basic framework for the structure itself.

View attachment 3985710View attachment 3985707View attachment 3985708
Here is the final progress that was made today

We still need to do a lot between hardware cloth, roofing, painting, and (maybe?) siding.

View attachment 3985706

It's kind of hard to explain but that red area is going to be the actual coop area with nesting boxes. I'm pretty tall and my husband is basically a giant so we really need to maximize height for us because we both have back issues.

We DO have a fully fenced in backyard for them to explore but this will be the secure area for them. That big red building behind it will act as a wind and weather block as that's the direction it typically comes from.

I am torn between solid roofing the entire top (and yes, we need to add more roof studs) OR only solid roofing 2/3 of the top and using hardware cloth on the remaining portion to give more access to sunlight. Any suggestions? Also, the reason for the full enclosed sides- we have multiple neighbors who have dogs that are kept outdoors basically 24/7. I didn't want those dogs barking and and scaring my birds. In addition, while it's not illegal to have birds or rabbits in town, I don't want anyone making a fuss over the noise. I figure this way will tamp down the noise.

If you have any suggestions or feedback, I welcome it but this is my first coop so, be gentle.

It looks like it will be a very nice and sturdy coop. I think you're doing great!

 

[Squawkers]

It looks amazing!! You don’t have to worry about people being mean here! I think having a partially open top would be good, especially with the sides mostly enclosed. It will help with ventilation as well as sunlight.

 

[pennyJo1960]

I think hardware cloth is wonderful idea also where the open part of the roof right.

 

[aart]

I always suggest large roof overhangs with open soffits for good winter ventilation.

 

[Penpal]

It is lovely! But... chickens like to roost up high. Some of them like to roost up very high. If your nest boxes are where the red lines are, this is where your chickens will roost. When my DH built our little coop he put the nest boxes just a few inches lower than the roost.

It would add more space to your coop, if you need it, if the nest boxes were built outside of the coop. If you want to keep them inside, if you make door(s) to the boxes on the outside you won't have to go inside to collect the eggs.

 

[juhesihcaa]

We picked up the roofing material we're going to use and we decided to roof the whole thing instead of just 2/3 for better winter protection/more area for usable roosts in iffy weather. Hardware cloth has been order and will be here on Friday. Until then, we'll be working on the nesting box area, securing the door a bit more, add some more 2x4s for the roofing, and a few other small fixes. Once the hardware cloth gets here, we'll put that everywhere, then put on the roof, and then it should be usable for the babes