I have built, then rebuilt, many coops over the years. Some things worked, some did not. I am trying to define, design, then build, the ultimate coop. Comments and advice are welcome and will be incorporated here if possible. Send an email to 4chicky@mail.com with your comments and suggestions.
Design Considerations / Requirements
- Movable so cleaning is easier
- Only used for 3 seasons (could use over winter in right conditions, but not designing for that)
- Best value per bird kept, but no cheap materials that need replacing
- As attractive and durable as possible
- Functional for breeding or growouts
- Enclosed area on west side (where prevailing winds are usually from) extends to ground on 3 sides
- Window on enclosed side that can be opened to see the other end. When pulling backwards, this allows you to see before you run over a bird.
- Door on lower part of enclosed end to allow easy servicing of food and water for ducks/geese
Mandatory
- Movable by one person
- Not affected by strong winds
- Multi-species – Chickens and ducks, for example
- Roosts adequate for the species kept
- Wall attached feeders protected from precipitation
- Must move backwards as easily as forwards, plan how to move sideways as well.
Not
- No wheels, will drag this with a hard truck from Harbor Freight
- No handles for pulling either, too complicated as we need to pull it backwards also
- No tarps – they tear and look cheap
Under consideration
- Removable nest boxes
- Built-in waterer – so the water does not need to be removed before moving the coop. This can add weight, so maybe not
- Roof over entire pen, or just sleeping/nesting area?
- How to watch that we don’t injure birds when pulling it backwards
- How to pitch the roof so rain goes where we want it
- Can it be divided into separate breeding pens for smaller groups?
Materials
- 1/2″ hardware cloth for sides
- Corrugated plastic or metal panels for roof
- Pressure treated wood where expose to ground or rain