This coop was designed by a friend after researching several coops here. Then we carefully planned out the site and started the framing. Once framing was complete (2x4 construction) my father came in to help with the finishing details. The coop has a 30-yr architectural shingle roof and hardie board siding. The coop has a double-pane siding window to allow a good breeze during the hot summer months. The covered run portion has a full sized door to allow easy access for cleaning, feeding, and water changing. The covered coop also allows the "ladies" to spend time outdoors during the cooler, rainy months, without getting soaked. To allow for easy coop cleaning, the access door in the side is wheelbarrow height. All doors have been a recessed panel of bead-board to give a finished look. The design also allows for a dust bath area under the living area that is fully protected. Eggs are easily collected by taking the stepping stone path to the access door, one of my kids favorite chores.
I created the yard space to have enough room the allow the "ladies" to roam around and snack on fresh treats as they sprout. I ran an under ground sprinkler system to their yard so they have a mister on the hot days with just the touch of a button. It will also allow me to grow more lettuce and sweet peas for them in their garden area. My immediate plans include building some "grazing frames" for them so they don't kill all the new plantings off. The larger yard also has a nice seating area that I use in the mornings when I am enjoying the "ladies" company with my morning coffee.
The yard is fenced with a picket fence and a dog proof field fence to contain the "ladies" when I am away at work. The LED fence post lights give a gentle glow at night. Eventually all the rose bushes will climb up the fence and entry arbor. I have been told I will "never break even on cost" when I show off my coop. That really doesn't matter to me. I built this coop with the intention of having something beautiful for my new little family member's to live in. Yes they are spoiled chickens, but I can't name another pet that eats bugs, weeds my garden and makes me breakfast.
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I created the yard space to have enough room the allow the "ladies" to roam around and snack on fresh treats as they sprout. I ran an under ground sprinkler system to their yard so they have a mister on the hot days with just the touch of a button. It will also allow me to grow more lettuce and sweet peas for them in their garden area. My immediate plans include building some "grazing frames" for them so they don't kill all the new plantings off. The larger yard also has a nice seating area that I use in the mornings when I am enjoying the "ladies" company with my morning coffee.
The yard is fenced with a picket fence and a dog proof field fence to contain the "ladies" when I am away at work. The LED fence post lights give a gentle glow at night. Eventually all the rose bushes will climb up the fence and entry arbor. I have been told I will "never break even on cost" when I show off my coop. That really doesn't matter to me. I built this coop with the intention of having something beautiful for my new little family member's to live in. Yes they are spoiled chickens, but I can't name another pet that eats bugs, weeds my garden and makes me breakfast.
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