What a lovely coop and wonderful setup for a flock of pretty ladies! I love the pic of your Australorp's in the finished coop/run staring out. So cute!
The Old Homestead Coop
- Author TwoCrows
- Publish date
- Updated
- Article read time 4 min read
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- Tags
- large-coops
TwoCrows
This wild sand was very dusty. Just too much for the birds and myself. Purchased play box sand is much less dirty and dusty. I needed a new medium and found that wood mulch is cleaner, actually easier to clean and warmer in the winter. Sand is quite cold, great for summer, not so much for winter. Sand is back breaking heavy, wood mulch chips are super light. :)
TwoCrows
Thanks Debby! :-)
Great coop build!! Love it! I also love the bonus pictures of all your chickens/chicks!
I'd love to see updated pictures in a thread.
(If you post one please tag me in the OP post!!)
I'd love to see updated pictures in a thread.
(If you post one please tag me in the OP post!!)
TwoCrows
This wild sand was very dusty. Just too much for the birds and myself. Purchased play box sand is much less dirty and dusty. I needed a new medium and found that wood mulch is cleaner, actually easier to clean and warmer in the winter. Sand is quite cold, great for summer, not so much for winter. Sand is back breaking heavy, wood mulch chips are super light. :)
TwoCrows
Thanks!! We just "winged" this without plans, however with basic carpentry skills this article should help you build this fairly easy enough. If you have any specific questions about techniques, corners, types of wood used, etc..., I can definitely help with descriptions and photos! 
Loved your coop, and your beautiful chickens! They're adorable. There seems to be a place for everything, including shelves that can hold remedies for everything. The sand was certainly a good idea. I'm planning to do the same here in south Texas. I didn't think about wet sand in the Summer helping their feet to stay cool. That's a good idea. I'm sending a picture of Joy, my prettiest chicken (I only have four. I've just started with chickens this year, 2023). Joy loves to get on top of the water dispenser, when I sing to her. She's an Easter Egger, 1 month old yesterday.
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TwoCrows
Thanks so much! :) Aww...Joy is adorable! 
Love those Easter Eggers!! Definitely give sand a try, don't use arroyo sand like I did, it's a bit contaminated so use store bought play sand. And wait until chicks are several months old before putting them on sand as young birds will gorge on it. I eventually switched over to mulch, it's lighter and easier for my old self to haul in and out of the coop. :D Enjoy your babies, they grow SO fast!! 
Love those Easter Eggers!! Definitely give sand a try, don't use arroyo sand like I did, it's a bit contaminated so use store bought play sand. And wait until chicks are several months old before putting them on sand as young birds will gorge on it. I eventually switched over to mulch, it's lighter and easier for my old self to haul in and out of the coop. :D Enjoy your babies, they grow SO fast!! 
I really enjoyed reading this, and the pictures were fantastic! Gives me more nice ideas for a coop we still should build.. 
