lapin2008 1,587 Posted February 28, 2014 Report Share Posted February 28, 2014 Hi All, I am looking to put a coup together tomorrow, as I have the day free. The intention is for it to house between 6-10 birds. I have had a quick look online for plans (and will carry on doing so) but I was after some rough dimensions of what you would go for/recommend. I have in my mind something along the lines of a larger dog kennel/small shed contraption with a nesting box either side. I was thinking approx 6ft X 4ft and maybe 4ft high plus nesting boxes. With a roof that hinges up to allow for cleaning etc. So with that in mind; Is the size of the main box big enough, or could i get away with it being smaller even? Is there a per chicken nest box size you would recommend? The ones you see of ebay have a set of perches inside, what is the crack with these? what distance apart, what height from floor, shall I put these across the whole flooring area? Any suggestions, plans, links appreciated thanks for looking Quote Link to post Share on other sites
lapin2008 1,587 Posted March 1, 2014 Author Report Share Posted March 1, 2014 No one any ideas? I am pretty clear on the hen house itself now after having looked at a few designs online. Could still so with some guidance on nest box size per chicken though thanks Quote Link to post Share on other sites
socks 32,253 Posted March 1, 2014 Report Share Posted March 1, 2014 I'm just heading out but when I get back I will measure and take some pictures of mine ... It holds 8 birds Perfectly .......... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
bullx100% 681 Posted March 1, 2014 Report Share Posted March 1, 2014 Hi All, I am looking to put a coup together tomorrow, as I have the day free. The intention is for it to house between 6-10 birds. I have had a quick look online for plans (and will carry on doing so) but I was after some rough dimensions of what you would go for/recommend. I have in my mind something along the lines of a larger dog kennel/small shed contraption with a nesting box either side. I was thinking approx 6ft X 4ft and maybe 4ft high plus nesting boxes. With a roof that hinges up to allow for cleaning etc. So with that in mind; Is the size of the main box big enough, or could i get away with it being smaller even? Is there a per chicken nest box size you would recommend? The ones you see of ebay have a set of perches inside, what is the crack with these? what distance apart, what height from floor, shall I put these across the whole flooring area? Any suggestions, plans, links appreciated thanks for looking One thing I do no mate is that if you have 8 hens in a pen u don't need 8 nest boxes as they all sem to drop there eggs in on or two boxes...I'd probably put in 4 nest boxes and make sure the roosting bar/ perch is above the nest boxes... As for the size of the nest then the depends on the breed of bird your having...if ther just average laying hens what don't hold much meat and are not big hens then they don't need to be very big....for eg my old hens were just warens and my nest boxes were 15" square and that was plenty....all they did was hop in to the nest box drop ther eggs and then jump back out and carry on scratching around outside.....are you having them free range or are you having an outside pen around the coop...??? Also 6 ft x 4 ft x 4ft is a good size for there coop Quote Link to post Share on other sites
lapin2008 1,587 Posted March 1, 2014 Author Report Share Posted March 1, 2014 Thanks for the advice. I figured they may share the nest boxes so I had decided to make the nesting boxes sort of open plan lol. Socks, thanks for the offer of the dimensions, Dont go to any trouble as I have half built it already. I will get some pictures fired up later when it is as close to done as I can get it today. thanks again 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
lapin2008 1,587 Posted March 1, 2014 Author Report Share Posted March 1, 2014 Made more progress on this before I lost the light, Just need to put the fold up roof and roofs to the nesting boxes. And patch up the odd bit of paneling that I couldnt be arsed with today. Maybe put some vents in it as well, Put some perches in as well. 3 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
vfr400boy 3,456 Posted March 1, 2014 Report Share Posted March 1, 2014 Looking good , I just use a 6x4 shed with a perch in and two barrels in for nesting u can just lift them out and wash them 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
patterdalejoel 669 Posted March 2, 2014 Report Share Posted March 2, 2014 one thing i will say that if you get mite or lice in that coop it will be murder to get out of them cracks, so keep an eye on it and if you only see a couple drench it in creosote 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
MoChara 1,632 Posted March 2, 2014 Report Share Posted March 2, 2014 Looking great. And I see you had the best company Quote Link to post Share on other sites
lapin2008 1,587 Posted March 2, 2014 Author Report Share Posted March 2, 2014 Thanks for the comments all, Slower progress today as it was pissing it down and I had the full entourage of little helpers with me as well. Even got the dark knight stopping by to lend a hand lol. Felt next for the roof and nesting box lids, then douse the lot in stain/ creosote when its next fully dry. The dogs had more sense than to stay out once it started raining lol 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
the_stig 6,614 Posted March 2, 2014 Report Share Posted March 2, 2014 good step by step guide if anyones knocking one up Quote Link to post Share on other sites
lapin2008 1,587 Posted March 2, 2014 Author Report Share Posted March 2, 2014 good step by step guide if anyones knocking one up I'm hoping it will all work as intended. With hindsight I wish I had left another 10cm of head room in there but should be fine regardless Quote Link to post Share on other sites
patterdalejoel 669 Posted March 2, 2014 Report Share Posted March 2, 2014 if you can afford get tin or bitchumen roof panels felt is murder for lice to get under and breed like nowt else Quote Link to post Share on other sites
lapin2008 1,587 Posted March 2, 2014 Author Report Share Posted March 2, 2014 Ok mate thanks, I have loads of corrugated tin roof bits lying around the place so will see what I can get Quote Link to post Share on other sites
patterdalejoel 669 Posted March 2, 2014 Report Share Posted March 2, 2014 if lice get under felt you will never get them out. where as tin or something you can spray with something. if your using bits try and have the least joins in it as poss if you get me, so little space for lice to live Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.