Gfunk1127's 4x8 coop thread

[oceanmonk]

Following with great interest! Seems to me going 4'x8' is a smart choice. I'd like to have one that holds minimum 20 hens and I'm looking for designs based on 4x8... maybe it'll need to be 8x8..not sure. Thanks for your ongoing updates.

Sticking with common dimensional lumber sizes as a starting point for designing a coop is time saving straightforward. We have had 20 chickens in 64 square feet of coop + external run with great success. Even when they are stuck inside coop because of weather, they are all happy and healthy.

Some would disagree, but 10 chickens per 4x8 sheet of plywood is where I’ve settled for coop floor size. There is also effectively more square feet once you build any platforms or roosting bars in the space as well.

 

[gfunk1127]

Initially the support legs were 22 inches. But I neglected to take into account the fact I’d have to dig to make the base even. I will get an accurate answer for you tomorrow.

Rain let up so I checked. Apparently, I didn't math so well for this project. While I would've liked to have an above ground structure I had to dig down to make it level. On the uphill or storage door side my clearance to the floor is at 20 inches. On the downhill side or the chicken coop door side it sits at 24.5 inches.
Bummer thing is I'm not likely to be able to easily pull the wheelbarrow right up and drag out the coop. So I will probably look at getting a garden wagon to do that job. Or just use buckets.

 

[gfunk1127]

Yesterday the roof was put up because I knew it was going to rain cats and dogs today. The poly was interesting to put up and I was able to overlap it enough to not have to cut anything as waste.

One take away I could've done would be to have made the rafters a bit shorter so I could have some "built in" overhang. Oh well! That just means today I go back to the toy store for some drip flashing. I am happy to report all things in the coop stayed dry!

The front facing overhang even kept the open laying boxes dry!

 

[gfunk1127]

I had a bit of time free today so I went to the store got the drip edge and fixed it. Now, I feel better about the rain.

Next up will be the lid for the laying boxes and to cut out the access doors.
Gas struts, locking latches... all the good stuff. But I will have to wait until next week to do those steps.

 

[gfunk1127]

Got to frame the windows today! I also cut the plexiglass. Hopefully tomorrow I get to install the plexi and secure it in place.
I think I am going to the local lumber yard to look for some cedar for the accent.

 

[3KillerBs]

Cedar, specifically Eastern Red Cedar, is often warned against as toxic, but if you're putting it on the outside as accent trim I don't see how it could possibly be a problem. :}

It's looking very nice -- I really like the small details of the drip edge and the gutters, though I'm still concerned about the greenhouse effect from the clear roof.

 

[gfunk1127]

Cedar, specifically Eastern Red Cedar, is often warned against as toxic, but if you're putting it on the outside as accent trim I don't see how it could possibly be a problem. :}

It's looking very nice -- I really like the small details of the drip edge and the gutters, though I'm still concerned about the greenhouse effect from the clear roof.

We shall see about that. It does get a good amount of shade though. Hopefully with the ventilation eves that will no be much of an issue.

And thank you for the compliment!

After installing the plexiglass windows I went on a trip to my local lumber supplier.

I found out cedar has a nasty expense to it. For what I would need it would run me over $150 for the accent. I'm thinking about using pallet wood that is run through a planer to smooth it out and then using a cedar stain. The Trim is purely aesthetic.
Next up is to sweep out the inside and install some roosts.

 

[3KillerBs]

'm thinking about using pallet wood that is run through a planer to smooth it out and then using a cedar stain.

That would probably have some lovely character to it.

 

[gfunk1127]

The pallet wood idea is out and the cedar is back in! I was doing some thinking and fence pickets were cheaper and just as thin as I think I need them.
Then I realized I could get the planks made from cedar!!

Look at the before and after I sent them through the planer. I am glad my brother let me borrow the thing. It is like night and day! The picture doesn't do the color difference justice.

Here they are all ready to be driven down to the coop on the work horse. Which will be probably this weekend due to work and life.

 

[3KillerBs]

The pallet wood idea is out and the cedar is back in! I was doing some thinking and fence pickets were cheaper and just as thin as I think I need them.
Then I realized I could get the planks made from cedar!!View attachment 3422927

Look at the before and after I sent them through the planer. I am glad my brother let me borrow the thing. It is like night and day! The picture doesn't do the color difference justice.

View attachment 3422928

Here they are all ready to be driven down to the coop on the work horse. Which will be probably this weekend due to work and life.

View attachment 3422929

Easter Red Cedar can have irritating fumes in an enclosed space, but with generous ventilation it's a terrific choice.