Recent content by Gridguru

  1. Gridguru

    Putting the netting up over my run

    If the head of the chicken is gone, my first guess would actually be that something reached through your fencing and grabbed a chicken. The head being the only part that could be pulled through the fence. Was the body found near the fence? If so, probably raccoons, or even a bobcat or fox if...
  2. Gridguru

    3D Modeling for Coops (& appliances)

    I wish i could, as i do enjoy the design process even more than the building part. Unfortunately, the one thing i am lacking recently is "time". Between work, a patio rebuild, coop addition, a side business building poker tables, and kids in "club" sports, I haven't had time to do the things i...
  3. Gridguru

    3D Modeling for Coops (& appliances)

    I love SketchUp and have been using it for a while now. My undergrad degree is in architecture, so prior to this i did all my plans by hand. This is so much easier, and fairly intuitive to use/learn. I did my entire coop and run (plus next year's addition) on it.
  4. Gridguru

    Coop Automation

    It's basically a PVC and nipple system that is always connected to a hose with a pressure valve. It keeps the water full at all times and allows you to add additives (medicine, apple cider vinegar, etc...) directly to their water supply. Here's their link. It explains more than i could. I...
  5. Gridguru

    Coop Automation

    I am all about the automation of the chicken coop! The Chicken Fountain has been the best thing ever for us. Never having to refill water in the run is awesome.
  6. Gridguru

    Attaching hardware cloth to eaves?

    I used the hardware cloth on mine, and also used 1-1/4" staples. Just measure, cut (with extra), and trim. I like the 1/2" HW clothe, because it actually prevents wasps from making nests up there. They can get through there of course, but they cant fly through. The have to land, swing...
  7. Gridguru

    So i've decided to build a coop

    Yay! The chicken i was allowed to name, Tikka Masala, was the first to lay an egg. We get to have the world's tiniest omelette tomorrow!
  8. Gridguru

    What are you dreaming of for your next coop?

    Planning a smaller, adjoining "tweener/brooder" coop that will have it's own run. The run will share a screened side with the main run, and have a door that can be opened between the two. Actually, i've already designed it, i just need to build it. The main coop and run is in place now.
  9. Gridguru

    Which sand to get for run

    I would highly recommend washed construction sand. It's more course, and less of an breathing irritant than the finer stuff. I've heard sandbox sand might not be the best due to some chemicals added for coloring, etc...
  10. Gridguru

    Finally starting the journey!

    Looks like it will be a nice sized coop, and beautiful property! That's a pretty big span without studs though, no?
  11. Gridguru

    Chicken swing ideas

    Mine is very simple. A couple of lengths of cheap rope from Home Depot at a relatively thick branch from one of our oak trees. I drilled a hole through each end of the branch, ran the rope through it and around a couple of times. Hung from the run rafters and there you go. Ours is about 3ft off...
  12. Gridguru

    So i've decided to build a coop

    I actually think the place i got it from uses a plasma cutter. https://www.etsy.com/shop/RestorationSteel. I would highly recommend them. Karin was awesome to work with.
  13. Gridguru

    So i've decided to build a coop

    I had a metal sign made for my wife, daughter and now 8 female pets. And one more of the chicken swing.
  14. Gridguru

    Cheryl's Hen House...

    The ropes go all the way up to the top of the run. It's hard to see here, but the ropes go through the wood before being wrapped around it. The swing itself is maybe 3' off the ground, so no need to duck. The wood is fairly dense and heavy (oak limb), so it only swings maybe 8 inches when they...
  15. Gridguru

    Cheryl's Hen House...

    Nicest setup and construction i've seen yet. You should be proud. If you are looking for one more thing to keep the girls occupied in the run, i'd highly suggest a chicken swing. Our girls love ours, and your run looks like it has plenty of space for one.
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