Close up view inside the coop, showing roost, pop door and nipple waterer. The 5 gallon bucket was really overkill for 4 pullets, so I've since replaced it with a smaller bucket that's easier to lift!

The whole works in action! We bought 4 layer quality Euskal Oiloa pullets from a local breeder. I chose this breed because of how friendly and hardy they are. They were 10 weeks old when we brought them home.

A closeup of our PVC feeder. The yogurt container keeps the feed from sitting too high in the Wye connector and spilling out. I made a video of its assembly here if anyone is interested: http://vimeo.com/103563781

Close up view inside the coop, showing roost, pop door and nipple waterer. The 5 gallon bucket was really overkill for 4 pullets, so I've since replaced it with a smaller bucket that's easier to lift!

Ready for pullets!

The pop door is pretty basic - a piece of painted plywood that runs on some old drawer runners. DH has since automated it with a remote-controlled gate opener, with plans to hook it up to a daylight sensor so it can open and close even if we're not home.

The run was constructed like a pergola or trellis and covered completely with 2" stucco wire (walls and roof), buried 12" below ground except under the coop, which we wrapped with 1/2" hardware cloth instead. We then added a strip of 1/2" hardware cloth all around the bottom half of the run. We later added SunTuf roofing over the top of the trellis to keep the area dry. The white door is a vinyl screen door reinforced with hardware mesh and two barrel bolts. We put heavy concrete sidewalk blocks on either side and under the door to prevent digging (and dust bathing holes!).

Close up view inside the coop, showing roost, pop door and nipple waterer. The 5 gallon bucket was really overkill for 4 pullets, so I've since replaced it with a smaller bucket that's easier to lift!

bryoria
Sep 2, 2014

There are no comments to display.