- Apr 25, 2017
- 26
- 29
- 109
So this is my first venture in to chickens. I figured buy a pre-fab coop now and in a few years build one that suits my needs/style better and I am already running in to issues. Below is a picture of a very similar coop from tractor supply to the one that I purchased.
Questions:
Droppings boards - Should I have one installed in the open-air part of the coop? There are two roosting bars and the front end area of the cage is getting messy quickly. Do chickens roost in the open-air spot often? Or are they just doing it now because they are still unsure of their surroundings? They have only been in there new home for 5 days so I am sure they are still getting comfortable. I have noticed them out during weird times.
Exterior run - I am going to build an exterior run asap for them and attach it to the current coop. Thoughts on size? I was thinking of giving them a 10x10 spot with a small area of the run with solid roof covering. Anything I should definitely include in my run? Also, should I be covering the run floor with straw for easy clean up?
Veggie feeder - Has anyone built a decent veggie feeder that is easy to replace food in? Pictures? Ive already built a "auto" pellet feeder and "auto" oyster shell feeder (although it is getting 'pelted' because it's underneath a roosting bar so it needs a new home.) Or is there a cheap one to buy that works well.
Food list - Is there a easy-to-read food cheat sheet somewhere? I've been scowering pinterest and the like for a cheat sheet of chicken-friendly food/food scraps to print out.
A-frame tractor - Yesterday with a sick day I built a mobile A-frame tractor to move around my yard. I have a 2-3 foot section that is enclosed to keep them shielded from sun or run if they want and also to hang a water feeder for them. The remaining 7 feet or so is exposed. Is there anything else I should think about including in my mobile tractor?
Im sure I have a thousand more questions and I am sure some of my questions aren't clear. All input is welcome and appreciated! (I know not all of my questions are coop-related) Happy chicken-ing!!
Matt
Questions:
Droppings boards - Should I have one installed in the open-air part of the coop? There are two roosting bars and the front end area of the cage is getting messy quickly. Do chickens roost in the open-air spot often? Or are they just doing it now because they are still unsure of their surroundings? They have only been in there new home for 5 days so I am sure they are still getting comfortable. I have noticed them out during weird times.
Exterior run - I am going to build an exterior run asap for them and attach it to the current coop. Thoughts on size? I was thinking of giving them a 10x10 spot with a small area of the run with solid roof covering. Anything I should definitely include in my run? Also, should I be covering the run floor with straw for easy clean up?
Veggie feeder - Has anyone built a decent veggie feeder that is easy to replace food in? Pictures? Ive already built a "auto" pellet feeder and "auto" oyster shell feeder (although it is getting 'pelted' because it's underneath a roosting bar so it needs a new home.) Or is there a cheap one to buy that works well.
Food list - Is there a easy-to-read food cheat sheet somewhere? I've been scowering pinterest and the like for a cheat sheet of chicken-friendly food/food scraps to print out.
A-frame tractor - Yesterday with a sick day I built a mobile A-frame tractor to move around my yard. I have a 2-3 foot section that is enclosed to keep them shielded from sun or run if they want and also to hang a water feeder for them. The remaining 7 feet or so is exposed. Is there anything else I should think about including in my mobile tractor?
Im sure I have a thousand more questions and I am sure some of my questions aren't clear. All input is welcome and appreciated! (I know not all of my questions are coop-related) Happy chicken-ing!!
Matt
