Thanks for the tip! I've only spent about $10.00 for spray paint on this project. If it works and I can get a few more years out of my existing waterers then I'll save a lot of money. I only use the metal waterers and heated bases during the winter, and I have plastic waterers I can set out...
Since colder temperatures are coming soon, I've worked on one of my galvanized waterers. Here's what I've done:
Poured vinegar into the drinking tray and let it sit for several days. (It removed the rust and started removing the cheap galvanized coating that was the original problem.)
Dumped...
I use a nipple watering system in warmer months. Unfortunately, when temperatures drop below freezing, I have to shut it off to protect the pipes against freeze damage. That's when I have to use the double-walled galvanized waterers. I have been able to use a small tank deicer for plastic...
I forgot to update this post. I was so happy with the plasticized fiberboard as a pop door material that I made another door of the same stuff. It is resistant to water absorption so it doesn't swell and stick in its track. The only trouble I've had with it was during a freezing rain the door...
Thanks for all the replies!
I absolutely have to work to prevent freezing water, even in Tennessee .
I have carried frozen solid plastic waterers in the past. I have had some success with a small tank deicer in a 5-gallon plastic waterer that had a float and a lid. The problem with that...
My suggestion is to hinge the roost bars for cleaning and access. My hinge is just bolts through the top of the roost bar "stringer" and the wall studs. I added eyebolts to the base of the roost bars and chains with S-hooks to suspend the bars while I'm working under them. They've been even...
My chickens definitely use the space under my coop during the day. If they are blocked out of the coop at night, they take refuge under the coop as well. They take shelter from the sun and birds of prey there as well. Since they will all crowd under there at times and leave the rest of the...
I have a double-walled galvanized waterer (2 actually) that is rusting in the drinking area. I have thought about spraying a coat of Rust-Oleum or something like that on the waterer to prevent the rust accumulation and reddish water. I'm currently rinsing it out every day. My concern is that...
Our Chicken Saga
My wife and I visited the Delano Community Farm Market, in Polk County, TN, back in July to buy some fresh produce. It just so happened that weekend was their monthly animal sale. They had a calf, some goats, chickens, ducks, turkeys, quail and rabbits. My wife fell in love...
I was wondering the same thing! I found a board at work that may do the trick. (Isn't it funny how you look at things differently when you're building a coop? This thing has been on the table next to me for years!) Anyway, it's some kind of high density fiberglass board - basically just some...
I think y'all are brilliant. What a bunch of clever ideas! I'm in the process of building my first coop, and seeing all your interiors truly is a Godsend. Thanks so much!
I was wondering if I could use a wooden closet-rod for a roost? It is 1 1/4" in diameter, and I can get it in lengths that will stretch from one end of my coop to the other. Our chicks are Red Stars, a heavy breed, but I have no idea how big their feet will be when they're full grown. I can...
Howdy all! I'm in Charleston (Bradley County), about 25 miles NE of Chattanooga. Just getting started on this forum and about to build my first chicken coop. Do any of y'all insulate your coops?