I got an idea for a coop. just looking for input.

[Adrescher7]

I want to build a new coop seeings how the current coop is an old horse trailer. It works great for getting it for free but id like to custom build my own.
Id like to build half of it out of wood like a regular coop, then the southern side have come down to the ground at an angle and instead of covering it with plywood put some of the greenhouse plastic-type stuff(i don't know what its actually called but i know I've seen it on local farms). And then put two or three vents in. I figure this way its self heated.
What do you think? good idea or not? and suggestions to further my idea?

[LFRJ]

It sure could I would think. Predator proof and draft free are the most critical factors, but I imagine that if the plastic panels faced south or west, or was at an angle that it could absorb the most sun - it might help, so long as it didn't get TOO hot in summer.

Ours weather the cold months fine, but we lean toward cold hearty breeds which really helps. I'm going to keep your idea in mind one day when I add an additional coop to our back pasture. OH, and if you do build one, please share pics with us. I like seeing how other folks keep there chickens. There are some real innovative ideas out there.

[Adrescher7]

I certainly will post pictures. Seeing how winters already over in NewYork(we hit 55*f today) I've already started raising up/leveling off the land where i want to build the coops(we have clay soil so its always wet and muddy). ultimately I'm going to have a fenced in "pasture" for them too. At least in my head this looks like a great idea!

[bluetick]

You might consider building you coop near trees that lose their leaves in winter. Absence of leaves will allow some warmth from the winter sun, but in summer the trees would provide needed shade to keep the coop cooler. Otherwise you would need to block the heat from the summer sun.

[Bearfootfarm]

I think you'd cook them in the Summer.

Chickens don't really need outside heat sources until it starts getting below 0 for long periods of time

[Callieslamb]

I think they'd cook in the summer too but if you created a way to cover the plastic in summer it would work. I'd like to provide them a plastic-covered run for winter here - and a big pile of leaves and straw. I have a few that get out and about in the snow but most just stay in the coop. I would have space for more chickens if they'd get out and about in winter.