Mags’ New Forever Coop Build

[Judy Todd]

1-2 sq ft per bird is factory standards. Not conducive at all to a peaceful and healthy chicken flock. Here we recommend 4 sq ft in the coop and 10 sq ft in the run per bird as a bare minimum. The more space the better.

Absolutely, 4 sq per bird, maybe 3 for smaller hens, like cream legbars, and 10 in run, even tho they freerange some days, like was
mentioned, more makes happy chickens.

 

[Borders3]

I would only have one roost bar in the middle of the poop board, if having two different heights you are liable to have pooped on chickens, I would also run your roost and poopboard further, above your nest boxes, might as well make use of all available space and walls.

 

[AL-Lisa]

Hey there,

Ive been in the throes of indecision about the coop/run build at our new home, which is currently under construction. I was going to have our builder (a great craftsman) build us a copycat Carolina coop. Then, I was just going to buy a henhouse from Carolina Coops. But last night I was struck with inspiration to have our build team build a 12’x12’ (or there-a-bouts) shed and split it into storage and henhouse with attached covered run (12’x24’ with access to ample pasture rotation).

Now, I’m trying to figure out the best configuration for inside. I found this detailed hybrid shed/coop build but would like to reconfigure it so I can walk through the gabled end and out into the run. I’m planning to have nest access, feed storage and various other storage in the shed portion, so would like easy access to the run.

https://shedplansideasy.blogspot.com/2016/03/cb210-combo-plans-chicken-coop-plans.html

We currently have 13 hens and 2 Roos, but I’d like to be able to house up to 30. I have a brooder box we built that could go out in the run for broodies/sickies or I could struggle to squeeze it in the henhouse, where it would have more shelter. It’s bulky.

I’m in a mild climate in Tennessee and my flock has been living in a pretty open air red-neck coop for 3 years now. The main downside has been Marans Roos comb getting a little frostbite and me worrying about them, but I actually think it’s made them more hardy. I want to get the ventilation right this time, though.

I will update this tread with my design ideas, struggles & progress. But in the meantime, I’d love any advice y’all want to offer.

The build will likely be 2x4 framing with black hardware cloth for windows and run. If the henhouse is 5x12’ I calculate there should be 6-8 sqft of ventilation.

Is it ok to be on 3 sides?
Do I need ventilation at the base?
Should I put in windows with screens, or just hwc and shutters?
They’re used to roosting up in the high rafters and I’m looking forward to getting them at a more reasonable altitude. Is it best to have the windows/ventilation above their roosts, or does it not matter so much? There will be soffit venting wherever possible and the wall to the run will have a fair amount of ventilation, I suspect.

Looking forward to hearing some feedback and advice from more experienced chicken tenders

I totally agree with StinkyAcres recommendations. I live in North AL- those windows are SO valuable in summer heat and offering natural daylight on gray winter days. I replaced the screens with HWC. I am also a huge fan of having power to the coop...for my own self help, not just the birds. However, plugs for heated water bowls in the winter have been wonderful.

I built a brooder and a "hospital" cage into the coop. Seems like something always happens and one could not serve both purposes. Both are located to take advantage of the windows.

My run has 18" HW cloth laid out on the ground, outside the run and stapled down. I've never had a single snake in the coops or runs and very rarely a mouse.

I build chicken doors that lock into pedestrian doors which I have in both the cook and into the run. Great space saver.