Well we finally finished up! Once the run and everything was functional we took a break to address some other projects, but finally got the nesting box all built and a coat of sealer on the coop. I still have some finishing trim work to do, but functionally were all set. Just in time too our...
Got the rest of the roof panels on tonight, so the run is finished. Just need to build the nesting box and wrap up some trim work and paint. I didn't get a picture with the roof done but here is the rest. Also some of our girls enjoying the rest of the yard...
Curious about this too. We have tent caterpillars EVERYWHERE. My girls are older (ranging 6-10 weeks) - any issues with caterpillars for some bonus protein?
Thanks for sharing! We're looking for natural ways to repel bugs without the nasty stuff, and its great to hear some real life experience of these working. We already have a few lavender plants I plan to arrange near the coop when its finished, but I'll look into getting some Catmint as...
Thanks Mary - I'll look at adding some more openings, maybe an extra window next to the door. I should have mentioned there is a skirt buried about 6 inches down that extends about 30 inches out around the entire run. And yes the run will have the same roofing as the coop, that is hopefully...
Hi everyone, hoping for some feedback on our coop that we have finally close to done. Specifically curious if the ventilation looks sufficient. The coop itself is 6x6 and the attached run is 10x6. I don't have any interior pictures handy yet but the roost is elevated over where the back across...
Thanks for the tips everyone. We'll definitely give the scratch/treat container a try - the kids will have a blast shaking it for them! Raptors are definitely the big concern during the day and we have them by the dozens. Pdirt encouraging to hear your eagles don't bother with them that gives...
Thanks, great advice! Part of me thinks I'm over thinking it- I can pick them up in the coop without so much as a flap of wing - I'm just less sure when they have the running room. I'm very conscious of predators since I've seen so many even before we had the chicks so taking every possible...
Hi everyone,
New to BYC, and just about have our coop finished. We have 4 chicks that are 8-9 weeks (1 Bielfelder, 1 Ameraucana,2 Gold Sex Links) and 3 more that are 4-5 weeks (2 Black Australorps and a Buff Orpington). The older 4 are already in the coop and have been for about 2 weeks...
Looks great, starting to come together! All of this rain has slowed us WAY down. I have my oldest 4 (7-8 weeks) out in the coop and hoping to finish the run this weekend if we can get some cooperative weather! What did you decide for the roofing?
Also worth noting it should be substantially easier to cut and minimize waste as opposed to metal. I am planning to put panels on mine this week so really can't speak to it yet as far as how good the stuff is, just suggesting to help minimize your wait.
I was able to get the Ondura in stock pretty easily without any order. I'd be surprised if you couldn't get it, both Home Depot and Lowes stock in regularly although in different colors.
Check out the Ondura roofing panels at Home Depot too. A bit cheaper than metal or shingles and so far seems like good material to work with. I paid just under $20 per 6' 7" x 4' panel. Putting them on this weekend I can let you know how it goes.
For what it's worth I'm also in NJ (Burlington County) and I'm not intending to secure mine to the footings. I have cinder blocks buried about 4" then a 6x6 foundation of 2x6 sitting on them. It is elevated off the ground and I'll have a similar style roof, but once all the framing is done it...
I'm in the same boat as chickendave. I was intent on buying one of these, even against the advice I had read, but once I started scoping materials I've found it much less expensive to build my own. Now that said with only my own imagination as a limitation the size of my coup, and in turn the...
Hi MK, I'm in the process of building my coop now, and the design is very similar to yours. For the roofing, I think you'll find better options than plywood that are likely somewhat less expensive and better suited. I spent hours researching roofing, and decided going with Ondura roofing panels...
Is the OSB on the walls on the interior or exterior of the studs? If it's on the interior you could always put T1-11 on the outside and that should keep elements away from the OSB. If it's on the exterior a good sealant or coat of paint should do, you'll just want to remain diligent about...