Adventures with Chicken Coop building

[MaGlockner]

a few more photos. this was before the nest box was added

 

[Flockincrazy]

This almost made me give up my flock. Seriously. Why did I buy chickens before building a coop? Don't answer that question ... rookie mistake. I know better now. Anyway, my incredibly awesome neighbor is helping me with this project. Thought I'd capture it all here as it unfolds.

Started with a frame that I bought on FB marketplace: View attachment 2235027

It's ~ 4x6, which is great for the 5 birds in my flock, as right now this is the max number I feel is manageable.

Bought 1/2x1/2 19g black pvc coated hardware mesh from a family owned company in New Jersey - they were great, had plenty on hand and delivery was prompt and reasonable. PM me if you want their contact info.

The plan was to put hardware mesh along three sides of the bottom part so the ladies could have a spa. That's where I will set up their dust bath area. Also using hardware mesh for the run and windows/soffits of the coop.

You are doing a great job I love the black hc

 

[MaGlockner]

ty. in summary:

• the entire structure sits on 2x6x12 ground contact PT boards. there is a 24" predator apron surrounding it. Total area = 6x12'= 72 sq ft for 5 girls.
• Underside of coop = spa area. They've put some chopped straw there which i will rake out and will add a specific container for dirt baths that is high enough to prevent them from kicking straw into.
• I made a feeder out of PVC pipe that works well with their pellets. I re-purposed an old cast iron match dispenser into a self feeder for crushed egg shells for calcium. Just added a water bucket with two of those self dispensing thingys whose name i can't think of right now, these things here: https://www.premier1supplies.com/p/...HWixMhLJxJ3m-ZoepXbdpZJvz0tT0mBIaAl39EALw_wcB
• the nest box = two nest areas and the middle area is blocked off from the chickens with a piece of wood inside (covered by the white curtain) but open to the outside so I can store some items there. I've added fresh and dried herbs to the chopped straw to make it cozy and enticing for the ladies.
• the window has a double storm window for winter. It faces SW so will get great light all year.
• the linoleum floor = easy clean up. Contact paper on back wall for same.
• The clean out door allows for ease of cleaning and interior egg retrieval if necessary. If that seems too cumbersome, I can easily add hinges to the left side, which is screwed in. WE USED SCREWS, NOT NAILS --- very important as designs evolve and change over time.
• Front of coop has two windows. I have a hinged piece of wood that can pop up to close in inclement/winter weather QUESTION: should I cover that with plastic for the winter? it faces East
• The lights are solar, got at job lot for minimal $$ end of season
• Debating on covering the north side and east (next to door) with either plastic shower curtain liner or plastic clear roof tiles for winterization. OPINIONS WELCOME
• They didn't use their swing, so I removed it, but I might put it back. Looking for other ways to enrich their environment for them. I will not let them free range as we have Cooper's and Red Tails, Coyotes, Foxes and a Bobcat, all seen during daylight hours. AGAIN, OPINIONS WELCOME.

Lessons Learned:

• HAVE YOUR COOP/RUN BUILT BEFORE YOU GET YOUR CHICKENS
• If you aren't handy yourself, make sure you have someone lined up who can help you do this
• Definitely use graph paper and draw it to scale before getting materials so you don't overspend. I don't care that the guys at the big box store laughed at me. I knew exactly what I needed and how much, so no extra $$ was wasted.
• Jump on all and any freebies on CL, FBMktplace, etc. I lost out on a sweet tree house/play house which was free and would have been an easier conversion.

 

[MaGlockner]

You are doing a great job I love the black hc

yes I do as well~