Coop design

[Nugget_123]

I am thinking about getting meat birds but I want them separated from my hens. I have a side yard I want to put a run and coop in. I'm not going to get a true meat bird but probably a dual purpose bird. I want to house around 20 in this coop. Any ideas for coop design? The area I have is only dirt with a bit of grass. On one side it the brick of the houses but the meter is over there so it needs to be accessible. the back is the fence to part of our backyard and the rest is the neighbors fence, which is delipidated. I need the run to be pretty predator proof because we have cats in our neighborhood. I was thinking chain link maybe... I want something with a top. Cheap too. The coop wouldn't have to be winter proof, since I would just raise them during the summer. The coop would just need some weather protection and roosting bars, no nesting boxes. Also, how big would it need to be for 20 chickens? I can build things and am looking to build with old pallets and such, not buy a coop. Any ideas or designs? Not sure how to make a covered run either.
I am also looking to re-do my coop for the hens. I will end up with 12 to 14 total chickens. The coop right now is a a-frame design. I have nesting boxes on one side, which is a rack of 5 gallon bucks and the underside is barricaded because there were aying eggs under there. I have on 6 1/2 foot long roosting bar that stretches the length of the coop and to sure how t add another but it will be needed. I can walk I the coop and the roosting bar come out so it is easy to clean. It is on a 8 x 10 concrete pad. There is a door going into the coop and another door from the coop going into the run, plus a outside door to access the run. I want a bigger run, which is also a a-frame. The run is about 3 x larger than the coop. The coop is all wood. Any other good coop designs on the ground? (not up on posts). Any way to modify the coop as it is now could work. There is a lot of unused space in the a-frame. I also need a way to keep it from leaking when it rains. Anyway to keep the run from not being muddy?
I know this is a lot, sorry.

 

[cavemanrich]

Let me offer some ideas/opinions.
First,, Dual purpose chickens are basically egg layers, that are robust enough to make decent meals after laying slows down. That means a long grow out time period, compared to broilers. Your coop would need to be same as for your other hens. Your choice to keep separate is your decision. Of course if you will be having straight run,,, understandable to keep all the extra roosters from bothering your egg hens.
There are many possibilities in what you can achieve.

Lets tackle the run covering. (for run) You mentioned using chain link fencing. That is a good option.
For the overhead, you can use a Mesh Tarp. Lets water/rain thru. So it does not get heavy. Snow, will collect. So if that is concern, then opt for heavy duty Bird netting.

Now to the coop discussion.
Are there possible options to purchase used garden sheds? Those would be a cheap way to get coop housing. Of course you need to disassemble, and haul home,,, and reassemble.

Post some pictures of your existing grounds/coops. This way it is easier to visualize and offer tips/ideas.


WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,and