EmmaDonovan

Merry Christmas!

Feels like we're perpetually in the planning stage. Life happens. Our hoop coop design has expanded to 24x8. That's 16 sq ft per hen, with a dozen hens. Should make for happy layers. I think we've got a design that'll withstand monsoon storms and predators, provide shade and sunshine. Working on the materials and cost list.

Finally decided on a coop design: 16x8 hoop coop. No more Sketchup, YAY!

Still undergoing a plumbing disaster at the house, though (water can come in but it doesn't go back out). I really hope we get it fixed soon so we can start building the coop.

We're keeping an eye out for local (southern Arizona) started pullets sometime in March, especially heat-hardy prolific layers like leghorns; also EEs.

Sketchup is officially the most hated program I have ever worked with. If I could I'd trash this and buy balsa wood and make a 3D model that way.

Sketchup tutorials on YouTube are a study in how badly some people "teach." So much time wasted. Smh.

Designing a coop now in SketchUp Make 2017. I'll be building the coop with one other person. We want a 3D image we can both refer to and to determine costs. I am giving extra attention to security, ventilation, and accessibility without stooping and bending.

So far we are considering EE and leghorn hens, for hardiness and egg production.

Currently learning about coop design. What an amazing resource these forums are!