"Ready to Go" Building Plans for a Woods Style Coop

[Nechama]

Hello! I'm new to chickens - in fact, I don't have any chickens yet, but I do have a nice, big backyard and I'm trying to create a nice habitat and figure out all the different elements of chicken care BEFORE I get any birds. (Can you imagine?) I live in Ohio; hot humid summers, cold winters, lots of rain and sometimes a lot of snow. Wild weather fluctuations. I have been searching this forum for a few days and yes, it looks like the best choice would be a "Woods" style coop. These only are designed in two sizes, right? 16x10 and 10x6? I probably will only have 5-6 chickens in the end (technically only 5 are allowed in my area) so I'd like to build a 10x6 size coop.

I found all the lovely threads where people show off their handiwork, and I found the scan of the original book, but I can't find any "plug and play" ready-to-build plans. My plan is to hire a builder I know to build this for me, but while he is a decent builder he's not a "chicken person" so I need to be able to give him plans that he can just follow without having to apply too much judgement. And like I said I'm a total newbie as well. Is there anywhere I can find an ****easy to follow***** ready to go plan for building a 10x6 Woods style coop?

Thank you so much in advance!

 

[cavemanrich]

The sizes can change, Here is one that is 8 x 12. Pretty close to what you want to build if you do want a Woods.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/8-x-12-woods-coop-design-plan.1221551/
Not sure if this will help you??
A good carpenter would look at these plans, and figure out a way to make a 6 x 10 with not much problem.
Also consider something different if you are just going to keep 5 or 6 chickens.

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

 

[cavemanrich]

Here is another thread with picture of construction.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/woods-colony-house-portable.1104954/

 

[saysfaa]

You might consider the 8x12 just so you would not bump the walls and ceiling as much when you go in it. It may not cost much more because building materials come in 8' lengths.

You might also have the roof overhang the walls on all sides. I don't remember if that came up in the later pages of those threads but it isn't shown on the first pages of either.

 

[3KillerBs]

A Woods coop is an excellent choice for your climate.

@Ted Brown knows a lot about this design.

 

[Nechama]

Thank you for the replies and the link! Why would I go with something different for 5-6 chickens -- because of the expense and complexity in building the Woods? I'm thinking deep litter bedding so it seems Woods would be best for keeping the smells down? I have some high maintenance neighbors so I want really good ventilation/low smells for the least possible chance of annoying them. Plus it looks nice, and it seems like the chickens will be happy (they always have fresh air and light). Is there a different kind of coop I should consider?

Also, I'm considering situating this coop within a run with a mesh ceiling, almost like a big aviary. I know there are hawks in my area and I know they eat chickens. There are probably racoons, too. Do people have any tips for constructing something like this?

Thank you all so much!

 

[Nechama]

Also -- I just found out the person I was going to hire to build this isn't available. Any tips for hiring a carpenter in the Columbus area? It would be AMAZING if there were a directory on this site.

 

[aart]

Is there anywhere I can find an ****easy to follow***** ready to go plan for building a 10x6 Woods style coop?

I doubt it, I can't remember seeing any.

Also -- I just found out the person I was going to hire to build this isn't available. Any tips for hiring a carpenter in the Columbus area? It would be AMAZING if there were a directory on this site.

Amazing it would be, but also highly unlikely.
Most folks here DIY.

 

[saysfaa]

I meant a little bigger, not a different style (if the above comment was to me). Woods' style is great!

I would start with looking at aviary netting for the run you describe. If you net search "pheasant flight pen" you will get better information on how to build them than if you look for aviary netting. It is worth it even if you end up going with less expensive netting options - which are reasonable considering the spans are so much shorter.

Aviary netting of any kind (short of stainless steel, maybe) won't keep raccoons out. It likely won't matter if you secure the chickens in the coop at night and don't leave food out in the run at night. Raccoons can be active in ghe day but usually aren't. Or put a couple of electric wires around at the right heights. You might check your zoning - some don't allow electric fencing or require specific warning signage.

 

[cavemanrich]

Thank you for the replies and the link! Why would I go with something different for 5-6 chickens -

I only made a suggestion for you to consider researching.
A 10 x 6 coop is large enough for 15 chickens. You are limited to 5 by city guideline,, so that is why I made that suggestion.
Build whatever is best for you.
A Woods coop is a very good functional, coop. .. I don't give it the #1 ranking as the prettiest