Gigi's Dream Chicken Coop!

We have wanted chickens for several years and we have been on a weight loss and healthy lifestyle kick the past 18 months. The food we eat has been a focus and the opportunity to have some fluff butts that provided high quality organic eggs was a big plus. Also, being animal lovers and wanting to become even more self-sufficient, starting our flock made a lot of sense. We obtained some great chicks (1 and 2 weeks old) in late May and immediately started planning our coop, run, and ranch. What we expected to take a couple of weekends developed into a 30 days project that we completed Sunday, June 28th and moved the ladies into their new home.

We wanted a coop/run to compliment our yard decor, but be very functional and long lasting. We had a dog run (from years past before our boys (Goldendoodles Denver and Echo) came to live with us and convinced us they were house dogs / couch potatoes. This space is about 20 'x 35 'and seemed the logical space to build the coop/run. With six chickens, we wanted a coop that was large enough for their roost and nesting boxes and a run that would allow them room to roam when not free ranging in our fenced in back yard. Much research on Facebook , BackYardChickens.com, Pinterest, books, and other resources developed into the end result.

We started our wish list and our priorities to start the design/build of the coop/run:

1. Although we live in a suburban neighborhood, we are still concerned about predators (wild and domesticated) so we definitely want to protect the ladies for these potential threats.
2. Easy access to eggs and ability to clean (both the coop and run).
3. Multiple options for the ladies to roam/free range.
4. Storage for feed and supplies.
5. Self watering and feeding for convenience and safety to the flock.
6. Aesthetically pleasing and fit into our lifestyle.

We ultimately settled on a 4’ x 6’ coop with a 6' x 16' run in our old fenced dog run. Shade trees, close proximity to water, and away from any neighbors, was a lovely location for the flock to thrive. We wanted a raised coop to extend the run with full shading with the floor insulated to keep the temperature of the coop fairly moderate both summer and winter. We leveled the base of the coop on a gentle slope and began the framing using standing construction techniques.


Obviously, ventilation is important, so multiple vents (all four walls), windows on the north (salvaged old window) and south walls, and a vent in the roof utilizing a cupola/weather vane. Walls were insulated and finished with rough 1"x 4" and 1"x 6" cedar. The west wall is hinged to ensure easy access for cleaning or access to the interior.


The roof is green metal for longevity and appearance (ended up be a little more pricey that we intended/expected, but really turned out well. In retrospect, we may have looked at a less expensive option for the roofing, but really like the look of the finished roof.


Nesting boxes and a roost to finish the interior.


The run is completely enclosed in 1/2" metal fabric and secure to prohibit predators and scavengers from entering the run/coop. We also wanted to provide our ladies something to keep them entertained and engaged. Of course, a dust bath is a requirement for their "dust bathing" enjoyment.


Finally, an automatic feeder and waterer (diy from online resources) were required to ensure nourishment and hydration for the flock.


A really fun project, but my husband was happy to have it done and the ladies moved on Sunday night! Looking forward to years of enjoyment and fresh eggs from our custom coop.