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First time building a chicken coop! Any tips?

post #1 of 5
4/7/12 at 9:51pm
Thread Starter 

Hi! I am very excited to be building a chicken coop this spring. I have picked out a design and am looking forward to tackling this new project. The only problem is that I have never built anything before. Any tips on types of wood, tricks to measuring, insulation, etc. Would be greatly appreciated! Orpington Mansion.jpg

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post #2 of 5
4/8/12 at 8:22am

What type of climate are you in?  With that open front design I'd be concerned about the interior becoming soaked during wet weather.

My BYC Page  http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/mikecnorthwests-chicken-coop

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My BYC Page  http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/mikecnorthwests-chicken-coop

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post #3 of 5
4/8/12 at 8:47am

Soaked dung wet weather, freezing during winter months unless your somewhere like Florida.

 

I am just building my new coop as well, and I had started a thread called Rookie Coop Building Mistakes.  You should check it out, I got some great advice there :) Just search for the thread.

1 Buff Orpington Hen, 1 Easter Egger Hen, 1 Barred Rock Hen (Hopefully), 1 Silver Laced Wyandotte Hen (Hopefully), 1 Mille Fleur Rooster + One Male Alexandrine Parakeet, 2 Female Indian Ringnecks, 4 Dogs, 2 Horses and a very patient husband

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1 Buff Orpington Hen, 1 Easter Egger Hen, 1 Barred Rock Hen (Hopefully), 1 Silver Laced Wyandotte Hen (Hopefully), 1 Mille Fleur Rooster + One Male Alexandrine Parakeet, 2 Female Indian Ringnecks, 4 Dogs, 2 Horses and a very patient husband

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post #4 of 5
4/8/12 at 8:51am

Besides wet weather, don't use chicken wire.  Use hardware cloth or 1x2 welded wire.  There are open front coops, but they are much larger.  If you are in Arizona or somewhere very hot and dry all that ventilation is ok, But you should still make plans for a front cover for wind storms etc.  Maybe make a front awning that can drop down and cover the front.  Attach it to the coop with hinges  It will also provide more shade.

 

Good luck!

 

 

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JULY SWAP!  Join by July 10!

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My Swap Page

 

JULY SWAP!  Join by July 10!

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post #5 of 5
4/8/12 at 9:24pm
Thread Starter 

I am so glad you said that I live in Oregon, very wet weather! 

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