The run was initially just one big run, but we did have to separate the rooster. We can use that section later as the "introduction" section when we decide to add to the flock. You can also see that we added corrugated metal over a section of the run - it is over where we enter the run and goes to the coop itself. We used 1x1 pieces of wood, screwed them just under our barn roof and then onto the cross piece of the run. We then used roofing screws to secure the metal. This provides some protection from the rain and (we hope) the snow so that we can get to the coop without having to shovel a path.
- semcat66
- Aug 23, 2014
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The nesting boxes are in place now. You can also see in the bottom right of this photo the later addition of a smaller shelter - we ended up with a rooster that is not playing well with the hens - a bit over zealous. So we fenced in a section of the run, added another door to that section and built him his own little shelter.
- semcat66
- Aug 23, 2014
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We decided to make the east wall of the coop hinged so we can open it for easy cleaning. We put a chain with an "s" hook that hangs from the roof and a latch screwed into the bottom of the wall. I used some leftover vinyl from our kitchen to put down on the floor of the coop - an exacto knife and a staple gun made that a pretty easy job.
- semcat66
- Aug 23, 2014
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We used some OSB for the sides - as long as you paint the outside, it should hold up against the weather. You can see the area at the bottom right of this pic that will eventually be the area for the nest boxes. We also added about 3 branches for roosts that we just used screws to hold up.
- semcat66
- Aug 23, 2014
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We hadn't offset the vents yet, but this is the basic structure of the coop. It's 4 feet wide and 8 feet long. My husband can stand up inside the finished coop and he is 6'4". We used concrete blocks to built the foundation of the coop - we built a frame out of 2x4's with a couple of center pieces as well and then put the plywood floor on top of that.
- semcat66
- Aug 23, 2014
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We decided to put the coop against the north side of our existing barn - to add stability but to also to provide shade from the intense summer sun. I don't think I have a picture of it, but we eventually put a small window in this north facing coop wall, about 3 feet up. It's a window from the back of a camper truck, so half if it slides open. We put wire over the outside of it and have left it open all summer. Note that we put the roof vents up so that they overhang on the west side - this helps to keep the rain from pouring down right over the entrance to the coop.
- semcat66
- Aug 23, 2014
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We began in May with materials we had or had found in the free section of Craigslist. We do have a local place in Missoula called Home Resource - people take materials from deconstruction, etc. and you can get great deals - and we did get a few things there. I think we bought some 2x4s and the roof vents there, we got plywood from somebody doing deconstruction and the rest was free. I would say we spent less than $200 on all the materials, including the chicken wire for the run.
- semcat66
- Aug 23, 2014
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