0My new coop build. (lots o' pics)

[Mahonri]

Wonderful

 

[Cetawin]

That hinged top is great! Love it!

 

[teach1rusl]

The slide out tray is a great idea!!

 

[Junkmanme]

Some "counter-weights" (such as used in the WALLs in old-windows) would be helpful in opening the HEAVY ROOF....if attached to the Hinge-side of the roof-rafters.

just a thought,
-Junkmanme-

P.S. NICE Job !!!

 

[KatyTheChickenLady]

addressing you ladder question; it really depends on what breed you are going to have. Most birds can easily fly that high and the ladder in that small of space will be in their way. However some heavy birds perfer to walk up and some smaller flightless bird (like silkies) will need one.

 

[gsim]

Junkmanme had a good one with the counter weights. I would add a kickstand to that so as not to have to look for something each time you open it for whatever. You should not need walkboard in a coop that small. Just make sure the roost is a little higher than the base of the nests. Hinges and poop drawer are good features.

I would suggest to remove the 2 x 4 blocking at the front of the roof frame. Use that area for ventilation and that is the very best place for it as it is highest point in coop. Vital for health of chooks lungs. Cover with hardware cloth mesh to keep weasels, snakes, and rats out. Put another vent in rear over the top of the nest box door as high up as possible. Between the rafters as for the front would be best and would not be visible. Mesh for that too. I would do small windows on each side that would slide open for summertime. Cross-ventilation and draft on roost is desireable then, but never in wintertime. Gives you control of airflow both volume and where it is flowing.

You will be glad you did.

Really nice job overall and always a good idea to build an access for unforseen things.

 

[Omran]

Looking Awesome

And I love your workshop

 

[zeusrekning]

Quote:
Eggcellent idea!!! I had not thought of that.


Quote:
Using the 2x4's between the rafters gives me a 1inch strip to fasten my hardware wire to. And seals the are above it so nothing can sneak in. All of the other space will be open in the roof. I also plan to put the back of the coop which has the small vented area facing the hill top at my house. Lots of cold wet air blow over the hill when it rains so I think I may have to cover that side completely, at least when it rains.


Thanks for all the input. Its much appreciated.

 

[zeusrekning]

Update time!!! I finished my coop, half finished the run and our chickens seem to love it.
We got a RIR, a barred rock, a silver laced wyandotte and a Black Copper Marans.
The coop is 4ft cubed and the run is 25ft square. Should give the 4 hens plenty of room.

Here are the kids helping dig the fence line.

Gonna need a step ladder

Our Rhode Island red.

Still need to run the top section of chicken wire.

For all the pics go here: http://s261.photobucket.com/albums/ii41/zeusrekning/chickens/

 

[SGM]

Very nice coop coming along there. Like your hinged top too. Wish we'd done something more like that when we did ours. Love your little helper too.