Hello from Reno, NV - coop design questions!

[RenoUrbanFarmer]

Hello there! I have 4 hen chicks on order and I'm doing as much research as I can!

Starting to design a coop for the backyard, any thoughts from the experts around here?! Take a look:






The coop (green) is 4' x 6', plenty of room for the hens. There's a ramp down the back. The hole in the front of the coop is for two doors (for cleaning). The egg box on the back will have a hindged roof, the window in the roof will be for ventilation. Considering scrap linoleum flooring for easing cleanup.

The run (area beneath the grey roof) measures approx 50 sq ft. That should be enough - right? Of course there's wire mesh around it to keep them safe. Right now my biggest question is about sunlight. Since this entire design will put the girls in the shade, do they enjoy/require access to sunlight?

The tan wall is the back of my garage and the brown wall is my fence. Any thoughts/comments? Is this big enough for 4 hens?

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

Welcome to BYC!!!

Glad to have you aboard!!

 

[Brookliner]

First your coop and run have plenty of room for 4 hens. 4 sq ft in the coop each, 10 sq ft in the run each. You have 6 sq ft in the coop each and 12 1/2 sq ft. each I the run. You can add an additional 24 sq. feet of run space by enclosing the underside of your coop with hardware cloth mesh. Don't forget to put a man door into the run for ease of cleaning.

You might consider using corrugated polycarbonate roofing "Tuftex" it comes in smoke and clear for your run roof. I live in New England and have used it on my broody coop and am putting it on both my coop runs. It is very sturdy. I do have hardware cloth 1/2" over the top of the run underneath the roofing since I have mink to contend with as predators and therefore have to have total predator proofing. This material will allow sunlight into your run.
Specs. from Lowes:

Tuftex 144-in Clear Corrugated Polycarbonate Roof Panel (144" x 26")

• Classic square wave profile
• Translucent panel provides a soft, filtered light
• Lifetime limited warranty
• Perfect for extreme temperatures (270°F to -40°F)
• 100% UV protected
• Hail-resistant

 

[redsoxs]

Greetings from Kansas, RenoUrbanFarmer, and

! Pleased you joined our community! Fine looking coop design! Love the shade it provides from the Nevada heat. Good luck to you!

 

[RenoUrbanFarmer]

Thanks for the tips, Brookliner! I think the Tuftex may be a good fit for me. The only predators we have to worry about are the neighbors cats!

Greetings and thanks to Mr MKK and redsoxs!

 

[drumstick diva]

do you get hawks??

 

[RenoUrbanFarmer]

I suppose it's reasonable to assume that there are a few hawks in the area. I'm not sure!