Reviews by thecatumbrella

A wonderfully detailed build with lots of thoughtful touches. I am docking one star due to the use of heat lamps. A Sweeter Heater would be a safer alternative for over the roosts, and I am not comfortable using heat lamps around plastic bins (plastic can melt and off-gas). I do understand this is a 2012 article, and heat lamp alternatives were likely not as available as they are now. Overall, very well done and enjoyable to follow along with!

Great perspective on chicken keeping. They certainly earn their keep if you let them! A thoughtful article idea and well written.

I really enjoyed following along with your progress. Thank you for including so much detail. Hardware cloth is preferable over chicken wire, but I think that's become more commonplace since 2015. It's a great build for smaller flocks!

This was a great read for someone (like me) that's unfamiliar with incubators and hatching, as well as what factors matter most for a successful hatch. I appreciate that you prefaced by saying this data was from your own experimentation. Nicely done!

Great considerations for someone that wants to try and minimize losses in a free-range flock. I'm glad you linked to the "Hedges for forage and cover" article, as that slots right in to the topic!

This is such a fun way to repurpose something into a coop! I'm sure the chickens appreciate that their home can move around with them. Love the yellow paint job as well. Would have liked a little more detail on how you did the framing. Great concept, though!

I'm in love with this build. Thank you for including the plans and all the extra details that could help someone (like me) with their own coop journey. One of my favorite things is the fold up nesting box perches to block them off at night. Really smart planning.

Good overview of several popular, hardy breeds. I like that you included links to a couple of articles that focus on building with repurposed materials. Bottom line: chicken housing doesn't need to be expensive to be successful! Well done.

I appreciate that you took the time to look into the types of neem oil and explain the differences in how they might treat pests. I find even pure neem oil to be a skin irritant when I use it in the garden, so I would be hesitant to use it directly on my birds. As you found, Elector PSP is a superior solution, and is worth sourcing to knock out mites.

You have me intrigued, and I was ready to be sold on getting geese (which scare the daylights out of me). I hope you'll update the article and elaborate on some of your talking points, in which case I will upgrade my rating!

Nice overview of some popular breeds and how they could meet different expectations. You covered the main 3 categories (eggs, meat, dual), but it would also be fun to see your thoughts on breeds for showing/4H, companionship, etc. Well done!

Very thorough comparison between backyard and store-bought eggs. My only comment is that I've never gotten orange yolks from my birds, even though they eat like kings. It's possibly more common in free-range flocks with a more varied diet (like you mentioned). Nicely done!

I see people asking about this on the forums all the time. Your article answers those questions in an educational, straightforward manner. Well done!

I just watched your YT video last night on the grazing trays! Really unique build with some smart design decisions. Wish I could have seen more detailed photos of things, like your rollaway nest box. Further build information (you mentioned you have construction plans) would bump this to 5-star for me!

Smart way to partition space in a larger area! Would have liked more build details (was the equipment shed a complete DIY?), as well as a peak inside the coop with your heater setup. Thank you for sharing!

I love the idea that all three sections are moveable! Hope you'll come back and add a few more details so I can upgrade my rating. I'm curious to see what the inside of the coop portion looks like, as well as how you're able to move everything securely.

Those chickens will have quite the view! Hoping you'll come back and update with more photos and build details so I can give a higher rating.

Okay, the graphic at the end is not only super adorable, it's essential knowledge! Myth 11 was one that flew under the radar for me when we first started out (specifically with foxes), so I was glad to see it mentioned. I can always appreciate a concise article with links to further reading. Well done!

I had to come check out your setup after hearing your birds are laying well into old age. Love that you provided a floor plan and show some different ways to break up the coop to provide isolation areas. Lots of good detail observations as well, like drainage, roost height, the curtains over the door to prevent wildlife intruders, etc. It's clear you've been "chickening" a while and have learned what works and what doesn't (which really helps people like myself). Great photos as well!

I love that you posted this because I've also considered modifying a greenhouse kit. Really appreciate the extra details and video. I'm curious to see how it holds up in the long run, so please keep the article updated!

Reviews by thecatumbrella

Show only:

The Chicken Experience

9 Everyday Chicken Habits That Actually Make Your Life Easier

Every Day is a Chicken Day

What factors really influence hatch rates? Things you CAN do to improve hatchability!

Camouflage for Free-Ranging Chickens

Trailer to Chicken Coop Conversion (aka "Cluck Wagon")

Debby10s Roost

10 Backyard Poultry Breeds That Thrive Without Fancy Housing

Pure Neem Oil vs. CHENO (Clarified Hydrophobic Neem Oil)

An Underrated Fowl

What is the best breed for YOU?

Store-Bought Eggs vs Backyard Chicken Eggs

Spontaneous Sex Reversal in Chickens

The Eggsecutive Suite at Wineberry Hill

Valdez Alaska Effort

Coop and run TRACTOR

2025 new coop in process.

14 Chicken Myths You Need to Let Go Of

The Stinky Acres Farm Chicken Barn

Katie's Coop - Fernwood Hollow

Reviews by thecatumbrella

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