Recent content by Moxieminxie

  1. M

    Northern VA area. How deep should I predator proof?

    Predator aprons work by just covering the ground 2 to 3 feet from the fenceline. Once the animal starts digging they hit the fence and they get frustrated and quit. They don't think to keep backing up and go under it so burying cinderblock below that is extraneous. Tack down with stakes, like...
  2. M

    Do I need something better to cover my run?

    I may be in the minority but I use a chain link dog kennel for a run with a chicken wire roof. We attached 3 panels together with hog rings and overlapped the wire to make a sturdy sheet. The roof of our coop is metal so there is plenty of space between predators and chickens. We have lost...
  3. M

    5-week old chick suddenly refusing to sleep/stop chirping?

    It sounds like he's ready to be with the other chickens! Absolutely do not let him sleep with you, that is hazardous to your health. 70 degrees at night is more than warm enough. If you are nervous about pecking put his dog crate into the coop for overnights and unsupervised time until he's...
  4. M

    Building 1st coop - need advice on materials

    With a coop that is 5' by 6' I would not make it elevated, I would make it walk in. Your regulations require 28 sq feet of space for 7 hens so 5 by 6 takes care of that. Honestly, for that size build what looks like a shed. You can make a overhang or little shaded area for dustbathing instead...
  5. M

    Indoor and outdoor roosts?

    Yes, my chickens love to take naps outside during the day even if they don't roost outside overnight.
  6. M

    What’s the best type of coop for my situation?

    If they are in a shed and you want it easy to clean this is what I would do. Build a double wide nest box with a privacy curtain, they always use the same one anyway and if you only are going to have 6 chickens it will be enough space. Give them a roosting bar at least 1 foot away from the...
  7. M

    Help: Ideas for my coop floor

    I think a big tray with gravel around your waterer would be smart, but otherwise shavings are going to be easy to clean and remove. They dessicate waste and are cheap and light to handle. I would also grow containers of fresh food they like to eat to rotate into their run. It will liven up...
  8. M

    New coop owner

    Ok, you're right that you don't want the birds in the draft and they want to be as high as possible. I wouldn't bother with a poop board unless you need it to keep poop out of the nest boxes. In yours its a bit hard to judge the exact height, but can it be at least 2 feet high and 16 inches...
  9. M

    Raised Coop Flooring Suggestions

    I think you just need a thicker layer of shavings. We use the kiln dried horse bedding and that will slide on a slippery surface if its too thin but just add more so it is 3 or more inches thick.
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