View attachment 11000697 months ago my fiance' and I designed and built our first coop. 13'Lx11'Wx7'H. The coop is enclosed on roof and sides with cattle-grade fencing, embedded one foot into the ground to discourage predators or escapees. Pressure-treated wood uprights are cemented into the ground on all four sides. Pressure-treated 2x4 kickboards surround entire bottom outside of the coop, also to discourage digging in or out. Galvanized screws, galvanized U-Nails, and galvanized fender washers were used for attaching fencing, tarps, and interior fixtures. We have weather/heat-resistant tarps across roof and on all four sides of coop/run which can be raised/lowered to any height for rain, weather, or heat conditions on any given day using bungee cords. I have a separate internal coop enclosure to house chicks separately, or to quarantine new members to the flock. Eleven nesting boxes, personalized with each of my chickens names makes it homey. I use pine bedding as well as straw for floor of coop and nesting boxes. The floor is dirt to provide easy daily clean-up and plenty of room for dust bathing. There are two pallet-sized roosting areas high up on two sides of the coop with easy access via built-on ladders. Two 3-gallon self-waters and two 3-gallon self-feeders are provided. There are also 2 feeders containing Oystershell Grit with calcium to be eaten freely by the flock as needed. I have a mister available on very hot 3-digit days here in Southern California (which my chickens literally "flock" to), bug zapper, inside solar light rope, chicken-wire encased bulb stringers, and indoor lighting if needed at night time, and two ventilation fans. We also incorporated a 2'Wx3'Lx4"D slab of cement under the doorway to the coop so chickens cannot dig under door, nor predators find their way in. Total coop size is 147 sq.ft. providing plenty of room for additional members that may come. My 12 chickens are all fat, happy, and productive! If I had any regrets or changes, it would be to have made it BIGGER! I just love every one of my funny, quirky, entertaining, and delightful chickens! I have never had so much joy owing a pet. They are truly a blessing to me.
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