🐣🐥Black Copper Marans and Whiting True Blues. Lots of videos🎥

[wrathsfarm]

Bigger is always better. What size did you end up with?

 

[TexasBlues]

It’s 96”x 96” . I’m now debating how much to cover with aluminum panels.

 

[wrathsfarm]

It’s 96”x 96” . I’m now debating how much to cover with aluminum panels.

Texas sun is prolly brutal at times I'm guessing .

 

[TexasBlues]

Yes it sure is. I have some pecan shade available for the hottest part. I’m making sure ventilation will be adequate while still being extremely frugal in materials.

 

[wrathsfarm]

Yes it sure is. I have some pecan shade available for the hottest part. I’m making sure ventilation will be adequate while still being extremely frugal in materials.

I hear that. I save all my scraps and collect anything I think I can use for the birds.
If I can suggest a ridge vent would also help dissipate that heat running your steel an inch or so short of your peak framing with a custom ridge cap (roll of roof flashing). Mount a thermometer inside to monitor temps.
I'm looking forward to seeing this in action. Seriously thinking about building a couple.

I also spotted a pic of one that had dormer nest boxes also to conserve inside space. Seemed like alot of custom cuts tho for what little space savings. I'm stupid enough to do it, tho. Just for the challenge.

 

[TexasBlues]

I was thinking of making roll away nest boxes that mount on the exterior.
And yes I was thinking of leaving a 1” gap along the top of the siding for venting.
I don’t know if I’ll need a ridge cap because the ridge pole is a big 2x8 that overhangs already. I will need to add some kind of horizontal support board to mount the aluminum panels onto so they don’t flex too much and create a gap that a predator could squeeze through.

 

[wrathsfarm]

I was thinking of making roll away nest boxes that mount on the exterior.
And yes I was thinking of leaving a 1” gap along the top of the siding for venting.
I don’t know if I’ll need a ridge cap because the ridge pole is a big 2x8 that overhangs already. I will need to add some kind of horizontal support board to mount the aluminum panels onto so they don’t flex too much and create a gap that a predator could squeeze through.

Cool... I'll find that one I spotted and post it. It was a peaked roof dormer which would be way harder to frame over just a slant roof.

A 2x2 rip would help cost and still hold steel and keep weight down placed 2-3 foot on center. Pre drill to prevent splitting.

How old are the Marans now? You need a video update... Just saying

 

[wrathsfarm]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/barn-on-wheels-lots-of-construction-photos.65673/

Found this one searching for the other one. I like this design better for nest boxes.
This tractor coop is pretty but way out of my price range to build.

**Edited for clarification on nest boxes.

 

[TexasBlues]

I did make a video of the chicks yesterday but not the Marans. I’ll see if I can get some today of them. They are about 12-1/2 weeks old now. The cockerels are getting copper hackles. So are the pullets to a lesser degree. 1 cockerel is smaller but likes to be the boss. The bigger cockerel is a little more laid back and not as controlling around the other birds.

 

[TexasBlues]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/barn-on-wheels-lots-of-construction-photos.65673/

Found this one searching for the other one. I like this design better.
This tractor is pretty.

I think I will do some kind of nestbox similar to that. I like the idea of the rollaway boxes, I’ll see if I can pull that off . I found a few designs that I liked and can modify.