WeIl I finally got my coop finished

mojavemike1

Chirping
Jun 7, 2015
73
21
51
So Cal high desert near Mojave
I have a 12ft x 8ft shed that I used to raise canaries, but stopped doing that 15 years ago. I made a work bench and stored all my tools in there, and then realized I could make it into a chicken coop by just partitioning my work area off. Got the cooler back working (it was 118 deg in there the other day as we are now getting temps up to 110 deg...the cooler keeps the temp down to a reasonable 85 deg).
I still have some finishing off to do, like chicken wire on the screen doors and cutting out a pop hole for the run and to fence in the run, which will be approx. 12ft x 12ft.
My seven chicks at 5 weeks old have outgrown their bath tub brooder, so I am going to get them in their new house today.








The perch swings up out of the way for easy cleaning behind.

On cooler days, either or both doors can be opened up for cool breeze.


My cockerel wind chime has a miniature solar panel which charges a built in battery...both the cockerel and the red ball light up when it goes dark...neat
yippiechickie.gif
 
I have a 12ft x 8ft shed that I used to raise canaries, but stopped doing that 15 years ago. I made a work bench and stored all my tools in there, and then realized I could make it into a chicken coop by just partitioning my work area off. Got the cooler back working (it was 118 deg in there the other day as we are now getting temps up to 110 deg...the cooler keeps the temp down to a reasonable 85 deg). I still have some finishing off to do, like chicken wire on the screen doors and cutting out a pop hole for the run and to fence in the run, which will be approx. 12ft x 12ft. My seven chicks at 5 weeks old have outgrown their bath tub brooder, so I am going to get them in their new house today. The perch swings up out of the way for easy cleaning behind. On cooler days, either or both doors can be opened up for cool breeze. My cockerel wind chime has a miniature solar panel which charges a built in battery...both the cockerel and the red ball light up when it goes dark...neat:yiipchick
You will need to cover the insulation with paneling or plywood, they will peck and eat it,don't want sick chicks.
 
Yes you're right...I have noticed a few chicks pecking at it...I'll pull it all out. The insulation is 20 years old, and pieces I had removed had deteriorated so much that the bubble wrap had dried out and just crumbled between your fingers, so it's insulation properties would be practically zero I think.

Thanks
 
Consider adding more insulation over the old stuff, and then cover it with plywood, particle board, paneling, or whatever. In that heat, insulation helps a lot! Add another big window or two, and cover all openings with hardware cloth, NOT chicken wire. Well secured hardware cloth. A light colored stain on the outside will help with heat too. It's going to be a terrific coop! Mary
 
I've learned in my very short chicken journey that no matter how organized I was in building my coop there were always bugs to work out. Your coop looks great!
 
I removed some insulation so it's well out of reach.
They didn't seem interested in the roosting perch I made, so I made some play perches which they immediately started jumping on...my White Leghorn and Barred Plymouth Rock chicks even ventured to the bottom rung of the big perch
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On a side note, I don't like these pine shavings...they seem way too thin and seem to get everywhere, on your clothes and shoes...you end up leaving a trail as they stick to the carpet on entering the house. Maybe it's because I've spent too much time in the coop after I put the shavings down.

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I have 'barn shoes' and 'barn boots' that are left at the door. Other shoes inside, and going anywhere in the car, which aren't worn on the farm or especially where the chickens roam. There's dirt, poo, and biosecurity issues. Mary
 
Same here. I have my chicken coop/run shoes(that I don't wear in the house) and "my going to town" shoes. The life of a chicken farmer.
 

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