We tried finding a coop we liked but my boyfriend is very very picky on pretty much anything. He got in his head what he wanted and when we couldn't find it he decided he was going to build his own. He is incredible. He's only ever built a wine rack (full wall holds 168 bottles) and a small wood shed. For him to build me this amazing coop as his first big project blows my mind. It's is obviously not finished yet but hopefully soon.
We have the electricity set up, a thermostat for the heat lamp and then a light switch that can also be set up for the lights to be on a timer for winter.
The feeders will be hung from the ceiling until we decide if we are going to build a PVC pipe feeders to reclaim floor space. We did put a plug in by where the water dishes will be just in case we end up needing a heated water dish since our winters can get to -40C.
The nesting boxes are not finished yet but we aren't in a huge rush since our babies are currently 7 weeks old. The nesting boxes will be roll away by using sturdy paint trays. We saw the idea in a facebook group.
We bought a 'kit' to make an 8x8 wood insulated shed with a tin roof. The inside is about 6 ft tall which seemed like a good idea at the time as I am just under 5'5 but hubby hates it as he is 6'1 so he has to duck especially around the lights. If we were to do it again (which we will be eventually) we would build an 8x10 by 8 ft tall.
We have fixed the door so that it swings outwards now. The only issue with that is we could not find a screen door short enough to fit inside so they just do not get a screen door. The chickens did figure out that the door swings in so that wasn't an issue but the shavings were getting pushed around which was kind of annoying. The deciding moment I knew it had to be switched right away is we had a hell of a storm last night and water got in and under the door and soaked the shavings right in front of it and I could barely get the door open this morning they were so heavy. So the door now opens outwards and there is a piece of wood to prevent the water from getting in now.
We FINALLY got the little chicken door set up so now I don't have to prop the door open with a brick for them to go in and out. I also set up the scarecrow I made today. I have removed the feed containers and they are outside now as the birds were just pooping on them which was annoying.
We are going to look and see what we can do about the roost. I really like the set up and now that the door isn't opening inwards I think what I can do for now is prop it up so it isn't on such a steep angle, build a ramp for them to get on it and turn the boards sideways as they are just a little too thick for them right now.
We have the electricity set up, a thermostat for the heat lamp and then a light switch that can also be set up for the lights to be on a timer for winter.
The feeders will be hung from the ceiling until we decide if we are going to build a PVC pipe feeders to reclaim floor space. We did put a plug in by where the water dishes will be just in case we end up needing a heated water dish since our winters can get to -40C.
The nesting boxes are not finished yet but we aren't in a huge rush since our babies are currently 7 weeks old. The nesting boxes will be roll away by using sturdy paint trays. We saw the idea in a facebook group.
We bought a 'kit' to make an 8x8 wood insulated shed with a tin roof. The inside is about 6 ft tall which seemed like a good idea at the time as I am just under 5'5 but hubby hates it as he is 6'1 so he has to duck especially around the lights. If we were to do it again (which we will be eventually) we would build an 8x10 by 8 ft tall.
We have fixed the door so that it swings outwards now. The only issue with that is we could not find a screen door short enough to fit inside so they just do not get a screen door. The chickens did figure out that the door swings in so that wasn't an issue but the shavings were getting pushed around which was kind of annoying. The deciding moment I knew it had to be switched right away is we had a hell of a storm last night and water got in and under the door and soaked the shavings right in front of it and I could barely get the door open this morning they were so heavy. So the door now opens outwards and there is a piece of wood to prevent the water from getting in now.
We FINALLY got the little chicken door set up so now I don't have to prop the door open with a brick for them to go in and out. I also set up the scarecrow I made today. I have removed the feed containers and they are outside now as the birds were just pooping on them which was annoying.
We are going to look and see what we can do about the roost. I really like the set up and now that the door isn't opening inwards I think what I can do for now is prop it up so it isn't on such a steep angle, build a ramp for them to get on it and turn the boards sideways as they are just a little too thick for them right now.
Hubby likes the windows and door and says it just needs a room service button. Heehee!