Why wasn't I warned.. not to build a coop, or heck get chickens... Oh well too late now. New build started this weekend.

[omextreme]

So the wife bought 4 chicks from Tractor Supply, I know story old as time..

But alas here we are, First thought was Eglu Cube w/run, 2nd thought was cute but too small and heck I can do better for $1800

Well goodbye greenhouse hello coop spot.. and a busy weekend later and the new coop is taking shape. Not sure what the final shape will actually be since I am not one to use or draw out plans.

But the basics are - 6x7 coop and attached 6x10 run plus 75% of the coop is high enough off ground for more run space. Shingled roof over both parts (I live in a HOA community so best it looks like a shed) Coop has 4' walls and is 6' at highest roof portion. 2/3 of the side will swing open for cleaning. Going with the "best nest box' type of nesting box. 3 x openable windows and gable vents for fresh air..

So first off.. Holy heck $9 for a 2x4x8 non PT Pine!!!!

Questions...

1. Is there such a thing at a too tall run? given the slope of the yard the far end of the run will have 8'walls with 10' to apex of roof. is this ok?
2. Is it ok to wall off the back of the run with a solid material? the other 2 sides will be mesh but the back I want to cover with something so the neighbors dogs cannot see the birds. I assume this is fine but better to ask..

 

[rosemarythyme]

1. Nope, not really. Main concern is that you can still access it for maintenance if needed so as long as you can do that it's not "too high."
2. One solid wall is perfectly fine. I've seen plenty of runs built against the side of a barn, between a house and fence, etc.

 

[Aunt Angus]

You are a doll for taking this on. My hubby says they're my chickens, so I'm on my own.

Looks good so far!

 

[rosemarythyme]

My hubby says they're my chickens, so I'm on my own.

Haha, I would've shot back with "They're my chickens, but I'm your wife, and you know who rules the roost!"

 

[Windrider]

If you are in Atlanta, with your hot humid weather, I'd make that whole thing an open air coop run combo. Or at least leave the wall of the coop facing into the run completely hardware cloth. It will be protected from the weather that way, but will let more air circulation into the coop. As it is, your coop will get very hot and stuffy inside unless you triple the amount of ventilation usually suggested.

Take a look @3KillerBs fabulous open air coop here:
Large, Open-Air Coop in Central NC

Those of us in warmer climates have different challenges than our more northerly friends.

 

[3KillerBs]

If you are in Atlanta, with your hot humid weather, I'd make that whole thing an open air coop run combo. Or at least leave the wall of the coop facing into the run completely hardware cloth. It will be protected from the weather that way, but will let more air circulation into the coop. As it is, your coop will get very hot and stuffy inside unless you triple the amount of ventilation usually suggested.

Take a look @3KillerBs fabulous open air coop here:
Large, Open-Air Coop in Central NC

Those of us in warmer climates have different challenges than our more northerly friends.

Thanks for the mention.

Here are some other open air coops to spark ideas:

Open Air Coops

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/jens-hens-a-southern-texas-coop.75707/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/my-positive-local-action-coop.72804/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/california-living.68130/

Ventilation is critical, especially here in the Steamy Southeast:

 

[3KillerBs]

Oops, forgot a link: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/hot-climate-chicken-housing-and-care.77263/

 

[omextreme]

Oops, forgot a link: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/hot-climate-chicken-housing-and-care.77263/

Thanks, the coop will have open rafter ends as well as a ridge vent, gable vent and 3 windows that open.. Was also toying with powered vents as well.. Hopefully the temperature will be will managed.

 

[RoyalChick]

Looks good! I also built on a hill and ended up doing a step-down to stop it getting absurdly tall (and the step down looks cute too). You save a bit on lumber by going lower, but the chickens certainly don't care if it is super tall. I think my maximum height is about 9'. In the coop part that also helps with ventilation.
You can sort of see my two step downs here.

 

[Percheron chick]

Thanks, the coop will have open rafter ends as well as a ridge vent, gable vent and 3 windows that open.. Was also toying with powered vents as well.. Hopefully the temperature will be will managed.

Rethink this. You will be fighting the heat everyday.
30 years ago when I lived in Atlanta, if we hadn't ridden by noon, it wasn't going to happen in the summer. Can't imagine walking around in a down coat in 90* with 70% humidity. Heat kills more chickens then cold. It is also so stressful that they stop laying. They won't return to the coop at night as it will be over 100* in there no matter how many windows and fans it has.
Get inspired by Royal chick's run. Beautiful functional design built with a firm understanding what a chicken needs. Every "coop" in the south should look that run.