- Nov 15, 2010
- 7
- 0
- 7
Well it took me last fall and winter to plan my coop, and last spring to build, and all summer and fall and still adding. I got 6 hens from a local hen lady my dog chased all six away and only 4 returned. The dog is now trained and does not bother with them now. I got most of my ideas from this site and I used mostly reclaimed materials for a total investment of under $500.00 spread over a few months. I use sand in the run and hay in the coop, no complaints yet. I have 2 Columbia rock, 1 RIR and a black sex link which is the result of rhode island red rooster and a barred rock hen. I get 3 eggs most days and 4 some.
I was given 3 Muscovy ducks early this fall and after they arrived I think there was less hostility in Libya than was in my back yard. they were trying to kill my hens, so after the first week I had to kill them, something I didn't want to do, but had to be done. A lesson learned. Right now I'm looking for a rooster to maintain my little flock and one that would make a good mixed breed for me. Any suggestion for a rooster breed or any other comment is welcome.
Hope you enjoy my pics, and btw all work was done with no help from anyone,
A look from my house to the chickens house, Total foot print 12'x16' aprox
coop is 4'x8' raised off the ground with external nest boxes
Nest box lined with hay
Roost, salvaged, right stringer is on a hinge so that when the roosts are removed the stringer just swings up out of the way for easy cleaning.
right side behind the Columbia rock you can see the hinge
Home made water, feeder, and cookie can water heater
Pop door and salvaged patio door on its side for wind protection.
Nest box to the right of pop door looking in.
out side looking in, southeast looking north west
My dog, Chloe, German Sheppard Golden Retriever mix eating with the hens.
I was given 3 Muscovy ducks early this fall and after they arrived I think there was less hostility in Libya than was in my back yard. they were trying to kill my hens, so after the first week I had to kill them, something I didn't want to do, but had to be done. A lesson learned. Right now I'm looking for a rooster to maintain my little flock and one that would make a good mixed breed for me. Any suggestion for a rooster breed or any other comment is welcome.
Hope you enjoy my pics, and btw all work was done with no help from anyone,
A look from my house to the chickens house, Total foot print 12'x16' aprox
coop is 4'x8' raised off the ground with external nest boxes
Nest box lined with hay
Roost, salvaged, right stringer is on a hinge so that when the roosts are removed the stringer just swings up out of the way for easy cleaning.
right side behind the Columbia rock you can see the hinge
Home made water, feeder, and cookie can water heater
Pop door and salvaged patio door on its side for wind protection.
Nest box to the right of pop door looking in.
out side looking in, southeast looking north west
My dog, Chloe, German Sheppard Golden Retriever mix eating with the hens.
