Hawkeye has inspired me to get started on building my coop. Nice weather has helped too. Don't have any plans other than an image in my head of how I want the coop to look. So far things are coming right along. Here's a short photo update on my progress.
Friday evening (3/16)
Left work & decided to take advantage of the extra daylight we're getting now. Started working on the floor of the coop. My goal was to build it, get it to the site & get it leveled before dark.
Wife came out to take pictures before I got the flooring put down. By the time I was done it was too dark to take pictures. Originally, I was going to put the coop behind the garage. Then I decided I wanted to be able to see if from the house. So, it's on the other side of the yard where I can see if from the kitchen & bedroom.
Saturday (3/17)
Didn't really get anything done on the coop today. Good thing too. My back was killing me from what I had done the evening before. I needed a break. So, I took my daughter car shopping instead. We ended up buying her a new car (2009 Dodge Caliber) which took most of the afternoon. Then, it was off to my mom's house for St Patty's Day dinner. Corned beef & cabbage; just can't turn that down.
Sunday (3/18)
Woke up this morning ready & eager to get started on my coop. Started around 10:00am (figured the neighbors would be up by now). Worked until around noon & took a lunch break to eat a sandwich & chat with the neighbor who came over to see what I was doing. Was able to frame up 3 of the 4 walls of the coop.
From this view you can just make out the 'pop' door on the back wall. Nest boxes are on the west wall of the coop. Decided to build 4 nest boxes even though I probably only need 3 for the size of my flock of 12 birds. Still have to frame up the 2 window openings on the east wall & 2 on the west. Decided to wait until I found windows that would work. Found some small 12"x18" shed windows on eBay which I promptly ordered. They should be here by the middle of the week. Worked pretty much straight thru the afternoon with a break at noon . Ran out of screws shortly after 5:00pm so I decided I had done enough for the day. Cleaned things up & put the tools away. Here's where I ended up.
Framing up the gambrel roof trusses took a good 2-3 hours, but it was worth it. I love the look & I can stand up inside the coop. Still need to frame in the north & south end walls, but that will most likely have to wait until next weekend. Will need to make another trip to Home Depot to pick up some more materials; roof sheathing, shingles, trim, etc.
That's all for now. Need to go take another round of Advil. Pretty stiff & sore this evening. Just not use to manual labor I guess.
Hope everyone has a good week!
