Coop Design Overview

This plan outlines the construction of a chicken coop suitable for 500 chickens. The design prioritizes proper ventilation, adequate space, predator protection, and ease of maintenance.

Coop Specifications

  • Dimensions: 40ft x 20ft (800 sq ft)
  • Height: 8ft at lowest point, 12ft at peak
  • Space per chicken: 1.6 sq ft (meets recommended standards)
  • Roof Style: Gable roof for proper ventilation and rain runoff
  • Nesting Boxes: 50 boxes (1 per 10 hens)
  • Roosting Space: 125 linear feet (6 inches per bird)
  • Run Area: 2000 sq ft (4 sq ft per bird)

Materials Required

Foundation & Flooring

  • Concrete blocks (80 units)
  • Pressure-treated 4x4 lumber (200 ft)
  • Pressure-treated 2x4 lumber (400 ft)
  • Plywood sheets (3/4", 20 sheets)

Framing

  • 2x4 lumber (1200 ft)
  • 2x6 rafters (400 ft)
  • Plywood sheathing (15 sheets)
  • Metal brackets & connectors (various)

Roofing

  • Metal roofing panels (25 panels)
  • Roofing screws (200 pieces)
  • Roofing felt (2 rolls)
  • Ridge cap (40 ft)

Walls & Ventilation

  • Plywood siding (25 sheets)
  • Hardware cloth (1/2", 200 ft)
  • Ventilation fans (2 units)
  • Windows (4 units)

Interior Features

  • Nesting boxes (50 units)
  • Roosting poles (125 ft of 2x2)
  • Feeders (10 units)
  • Waterers (10 units)

Electrical & Lighting

  • Electrical wiring (200 ft)
  • LED lights (8 units)
  • Outlets & switches (6 units)
  • Automatic door opener (1 unit)

Cost Breakdown

Item Quantity Unit Price ($) Total Cost ($)
Concrete blocks 80 2.50 200.00
Pressure-treated 4x4 lumber 200 ft 3.50 700.00
Pressure-treated 2x4 lumber 400 ft 2.50 1,000.00
Plywood sheets (3/4") 20 45.00 900.00
2x4 lumber 1200 ft 2.00 2,400.00
2x6 rafters 400 ft 3.00 1,200.00
Plywood sheathing 15 35.00 525.00
Metal roofing panels 25 25.00 625.00
Roofing screws 200 0.10 20.00
Roofing felt 2 rolls 30.00 60.00
Plywood siding 25 40.00 1,000.00
Hardware cloth (1/2") 200 ft 2.50 500.00
Ventilation fans 2 150.00 300.00
Windows 4 80.00 320.00
Nesting boxes 50 15.00 750.00
Roosting poles (2x2) 125 ft 1.50 187.50
Feeders 10 45.00 450.00
Waterers 10 35.00 350.00
Electrical wiring 200 ft 0.50 100.00
LED lights 8 25.00 200.00
Outlets & switches 6 5.00 30.00
Automatic door opener 1 250.00 250.00
Nails, screws, fasteners Various - 200.00
Paint & sealant Various - 300.00
TOTAL ESTIMATED COST $12,167.50

Budget Note

This is an estimated cost. Prices may vary based on location, quality of materials, and supplier. Always add 10-15% to your budget for unexpected expenses.

Construction Steps

Phase 1: Site Preparation & Foundation

  • Clear and level the construction area
  • Mark the coop footprint (40ft x 20ft)
  • Place concrete blocks at corners and every 8 feet along perimeter
  • Install pressure-treated 4x4 lumber as foundation beams
  • Add floor joists with pressure-treated 2x4 lumber
  • Install plywood flooring

Phase 2: Framing

  • Construct wall frames using 2x4 lumber
  • Install wall frames, ensuring they are plumb and square
  • Add ceiling joists and rafters for gable roof
  • Install plywood sheathing on walls and roof

Phase 3: Roofing & Siding

  • Install roofing felt on roof sheathing
  • Add metal roofing panels with appropriate overlap
  • Install ridge cap at roof peak
  • Add plywood siding to exterior walls
  • Cut and frame openings for windows and ventilation

Phase 4: Ventilation & Protection

  • Install hardware cloth over all ventilation openings
  • Mount ventilation fans on opposite walls for cross-ventilation
  • Install windows with secure latches
  • Add predator-proof latches to all doors

Phase 5: Interior Features

  • Build and install nesting boxes along walls
  • Install roosting poles at varying heights
  • Set up feeders and waterers at appropriate locations
  • Install electrical wiring, lights, and outlets
  • Add automatic door opener if desired

Phase 6: Finishing & Run Area

  • Paint or seal all wood surfaces
  • Add bedding material to floor
  • Fence the run area (2000 sq ft) with secure fencing
  • Add shade structures to run area
  • Test all systems before introducing chickens

Coop Diagram

"> [Coop Diagram Would Appear Here - 40ft x 20ft structure with gable roof, windows on sides, ventilation fans, nesting boxes along walls, roosting poles, and attached run area]