Call me crazy, but solar was actually a LOT cheaper than running electricity to the coop from the house. We were literally less than 50 feet from an electrical source, and thought it wouldn't be a problem to run a line out there. However, after receiving two estimates, we were unwilling to pay that much. So I had DH set up a solar panel outside, and created a cabinet inside coop to house battery, inverter, etc. Works beautifully! And there is more than enough power for a light and a fan for summer or heater to keep water from freezing in winter!

Call me crazy, but solar was actually a LOT cheaper than running electricity to the coop from the house. We were literally less than 50 feet from an electrical source, and thought it wouldn't be a problem to run a line out there. However, after receiving two estimates, we were unwilling to pay that much. So I had DH set up a solar panel outside, and created a cabinet inside coop to house battery, inverter, etc. Works beautifully! And there is more than enough power for a light and a fan for summer or heater to keep water from freezing in winter!

We have since added PVC feeders and BriteTap nipple waterers in both the run and coop. This was possibly the best thing we ever did. SO MUCH EASIER AND CLEANER!

I didn't like the pine shavings on the poop boards, so I tried sweet PDZ and scoop with a litter scooper. So much cleaner, easier, and has eliminated the majority of the smell. Highly recommend trying it. We also added PVC feeders and nipple waterers to help cut back on spills and mess.

We chose to apron our wire out- it was a pain, but I'm so glad we did it this way- we have tons of predators in our area.

We made our roosting poles the same height, as I heard ladder style roosts promote bickering about who gets the highest seats. I also liked the idea of being able to attach the food/water under the poop boards. So far, it is working extremely well.

And here it is all completed! FINALLY! (Well, we still have a few things left to do, but at least it LOOKS finished!)

Call me crazy, but solar was actually a LOT cheaper than running electricity to the coop from the house. We were literally less than 50 feet from an electrical source, and thought it wouldn't be a problem to run a line out there. However, after receiving two estimates, we were unwilling to pay that much. So I had DH set up a solar panel outside, and created a cabinet inside coop to house battery, inverter, etc. Works beautifully! And there is more than enough power for a light and a fan for summer or heater to keep water from freezing in winter!

beyandle
Aug 28, 2014

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