Basically any surface that will be diverting or "shedding" rain needs some type of roofing/water-proofing. Definitely roof the nest box. You may even want to put some type of flexible flashing where the lid hinges...a rubber strip tacked and sealed to the wall/window-frame and lid of nest box...
Heavy or regular-duty latches...doesn't much matter. From what I know, it's mostly just coons that can open latches...if the latch is a bit complicated then that is what thwarts the coons, not the strength of the latch. Coons and larger animals will probably go through the chicken wire before...
Two days ago we were sitting at 90F. Today we're barely getting into the 70's.
But, we're in the longest drought that we've had in a while here in humid(?) south Alabama. Matter of fact, with the current forecast we will have been without rain for well over a month...the first time that has...
urbanchick1950, a couple of things here. :)
The idea of raising the coop up to give the chickens more room in the run (and a little extra shade) is a good idea. But, if you get any high winds I'm not too sure how stable your coop will be with the cement blocks standing up on end as they...
Nice looking coop. Lower Rio Grande Valley is about as deep south as you can get, isn't it? How long have you had your chickens? Any heat issues? That deep south I would think a coop with one or two open sides would work well. I'm up in south Alabama and I'm seriously considering building a...
I rarely hear songbirds singing...would love to. I live in the country and have plenty of them around me, it's just that part of my hearing is bad and has been for a long time. Sure would be nice....
Ed
I think you need more ventilation.... Just kiddin!!! I *LOVE* the fresh air coop!!!
Will you be knocking out the wall between the main coop and lean-to part? How many chickens are you planning on?
For now, the only thing I see that I'd do differently is the fencing. I'd come in with 2x4...
Bruce has already mentioned the need for adequate ventilation, but I'll add a little bit to it. :) The usual recommendation is one square foot of ventilation per large fowl chicken. I'm not sure how big the window is that is seen through the doorway but I'll guess in the neighborhood of 2'x2'...
That looks good. I'm curious about your ventilation...do you have venting along the eaves? Nice roof slope for Maryland snow.
Also, I see that you built on skids . Will you be moving the coop from time to time?
Best wishes,
Ed
Chronic over-quoting, especially in regards to images is definitely frowned upon on many forums, some to the extent that it can earn the offender a time-out/suspension. Where I see a pattern of a user continuously over-quoting other's messages (or even their own) then I just add them to my...
What you have is what I would think is a common problem with small coops in cold climates. With a small coop it can be difficult to create an area where the chickens can have ventilation but still stay out the draft. In my view the best option to get a good air exchange going without undue...
Unless the cat is some type of overgrown monster I doubt you will have much trouble from it except for possibly as a danger to baby chicks. The other predators (including your dog) are all possible dangers. Be aware that hardware cloth will not stop a frenzied dog nor some large coons from...
It sounds like you have a plan going. As for the top, I'd be sure and have a least two latches spaced something like 1/3 and 2/3's down the length of the roof so that raccoons can't lift a corner up and squeeze in. Naturally will depend on how rigid the roof frame is, but a lightweight frame...
HOA, I presume, regarding the fence/coop limitation? I understand. I can't remember, did you mention that you will be making it a covered top? If a covered top, be sure and go for a lightweight cover so it will be as light as possible. How much snow would you have loading the hinged...
I hope people realize that as many of us make comments and give constructive criticism that we are in no means "picking at you" or trying to make your coops or designs look bad. We are simply pointing out things that may improve the coop/run, that may enhance the security of your chickens, or...