Chicken Coop - what works, what doesn't?

angeldaisy

Since we managed to go from 2 chickens to 9 chickens in the space of a couple of weeks, we need to look at designing a new coop. We have them separated at the moment, which is working but I'd like them to all be together soon.

Our plan is to design and build our own coop. So what I would like to know is what worked for you, what didn't and what would be your ideal set up???

Any advice gratefully received! Pictures welcome!

Lumen

Requirements may vary depending on what else you've got set up.

I'm new to this but from my research and experience so far (a paltry/poultry 3 days!):

1. Raised off the ground to give the hens somewhere to shelter.
2. Staggered roost bars.
3. External nest boxes.
4. Non-felt roof.
5. Droppings board under roost bars.
6. Line/paint the inside to discourage parasites and make cleaning easier.

Possibly 1 and 5 conflict because you won't get enough height to get a droppings board between the litter and the roost bars.

I'm thinking of plumbing in a water supply as the 12L nipple drinker empties in about three days with 8 hens.

Next project is solar panels for charging the battery so I can run lights and video cameras in addition to the electric netting. :-)

angeldaisy

great tips, ours are currently split between a small coop and an old kennel. the plan is to get rid of both and design the new one..
we have a large water drop unit which is great as it only needs filling every couple of weeks and it stays clean.
we are looking for a new feeder as well and are considering getting a treadle feeder. we are surrounded by several rookeries and they are eating all their food.
we are thinking of designing something like a small shed with Windows and a pop hole. nest boxes that can be accessed from outside and doors that can be opened to allow access to clean.
not sure of inside layout and whether or not to include a time operated door or not.
just want to get it right first time and not make any costly mistakes

Lumen

angeldaisy wrote: »

not sure of inside layout and whether or not to include a time operated door or not.

There are several models of ChickenGuard.

I got the Extreme one as I wasn't sure how heavy the coop door would be, but in hindsight I would have been better getting the Premium with the optional door kit, because the door that came with my coop is a bit crap and the Premium can be mains powered (whereas the Extreme cannot).

A friend lost 3 hens to a fox yesterday when her battery died and the door failed to close.

Both of these models come with an adjustable light sensor which seems to work really well.

DBB

You need to be a little careful with photosensitive units, depending upon where the coop is positioned in relation to, for example, outdoor lights. I've read a number of cases where motion-sensor lights outside the house were causing the hen door to open randomly through the hours of darkness.
We also have a hen who's inclined to leave it til the very last moment to go into the coop... She'd get locked out with a photosensitive unit programmed for anything lighter than eell-advanced dusk! That said, I've also read that such tardy hens do learn to go in earlier.
However, because of these drawbacks, we opted for a timer mechanism. You can get units that allow you to program for light or time.
Whichever you choose... They're damn handy things!

Lumen

DBB wrote: »

You can get units that allow you to program for light or time.

Or mix and match. If you set close on darkness and open on timer, there's no risk of it opening in the nighttime from stray lighting.

It's surprising that there isn't a "seasonally adjusted timer" option where you just set the date and program an offset in minutes from sunset/sunrise. It's not like the movement of the sun is random.

angeldaisy

update: should be getting new coop next week. decided to get one custom made. went for the chicken guard door and opener so hopefully it will work well.

godtabh

angeldaisy wrote: »

update: should be getting new coop next week. decided to get one custom made. went for the chicken guard door and opener so hopefully it will work well.

out of interest where did you get it made?

angeldaisy

I was lucky enough to get our workshop project where I work to make it for me. As they are a registered charity it only cost me the cost of the timber and other materials.