Coop configuration help

[brezbyme]

We are making our coop out of a 16 x 10 metal storage building. We are adding two windows to catch cross breeze. It has double doors and we're fencing a pretty large area for their run. There is nothing but floor space in there now.
I need some ideas on what I should build for the inside. I have one week until back surgery so I will be having to move my chicks out there next week. They will be just over three weeks old. I want to build the inside to accommodate them now, high enough that I can interact with them when I can't bend, but that will serve a purpose when they are grown. Any ideas? Their brooder is a baby crib but with 20 of them, they have about outgrown it already.

 

[azygous]

You might get some ideas from my enclosed run. I partitioned it off into sections that I can close off. I use these for brooding chicks and to isolate problem chickens on occasion. https://www.backyardchickens.com/gallery/albums/new-pen.6343434/

 

[lazy gardener]

More info about your current flock size, your flock goals would be helpful. Wishing you the best with your upcoming surgery, and quick healing, successful outcome.

 

[HoopyFrood]

Also could you let us know you're general location and/or climate?

When you say metal storage building, do you mean like a shed (as opposed to a shipping container)? If so what is the roof design? You'll want a LOT of ventilation for that many birds!

Also, since the building is metal, will it be shaded during summer months? If not the temperatures inside it could get terribly high.

An easy way to raise a brooder off the floor... maybe take a couple of sawhorses and some lumber to make a make-shift temporary table?

 

[brezbyme]

More info about your current flock size, your flock goals would be helpful. Wishing you the best with your upcoming surgery, and quick healing, successful outcome.

I have 20 chicks, for eggs and fun. I will be allowing them to free range as much as possible, with some supervision. We are out of town far enough that there are predators so free ranging will be dependent upon what I see going on. We watch closely since we have small dogs and our property isn't fenced.

Thank you for the well wishes. I'm a pretty tough chick so I don't intend to be down long.

 

[brezbyme]

Also could you let us know you're general location and/or climate?

When you say metal storage building, do you mean like a shed (as opposed to a shipping container)? If so what is the roof design? You'll want a LOT of ventilation for that many birds!

Also, since the building is metal, will it be shaded during summer months? If not the temperatures inside it could get terribly high.

An easy way to raise a brooder off the floor... maybe take a couple of sawhorses and some lumber to make a make-shift temporary table?

I am posting pictures in just a sec. I should have thought about that. We are adding windows.
We are in central Oklahoma. We did put it out in the open, mostly because of the predator concerns. Where the trees are would make it very hard for us to monitor. The run will have shaded areas.

 

[brezbyme]

 

[brezbyme]

You might get some ideas from my enclosed run. I partitioned it off into sections that I can close off. I use these for brooding chicks and to isolate problem chickens on occasion. https://www.backyardchickens.com/gallery/albums/new-pen.6343434/

What a great setup! I can see the value of having some separate areas, I'm just not sure how much room my 20 chicks need.

 

[aart]

Here's some tips on the 'height of things'....might not align with a bad back tho.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/coop-stack-up-how-high-should-stuff-be.73427/

You're going to need to cut some ventilation in there:
http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1048597/ventilated-but-free-of-drafts

 

[azygous]

Nice and roomy. You can do a lot with that space. Take your time and consider how you wish to manage your flock. I really enjoyed configuring mine.

I highly recommend partitions. They really come in handy for protecting broodies and their chicks, managing conflicts between individuals, and helps in corralling skittish chickens when you need to handle them.