And so it begins.... :)

[CowgirlMama]

DH finally started our coop today (the chicks are 3 weeks old and we're hoping to have them outside in the coop by May 15th!). I'll post pics as everything changes! The coop will be 8x10 with a 8x10-12 (maybe bigger) covered (with bird netting or something similar) run. We'll have nesting boxes along the 8' side, with a roost or two along the 10' side. The 10' side runs along the fence, and the coop come out from the fence 8'. The is a 1' space between the coop and fence in case we have to get back there. The roof will be pitched and the lower end will be towards the fence. Here are the first pictures!!!

We're using railroad ties for the base:

The covered run will come out from this side:

There will be a walk in door for cleaning, feeding, watering etc on this side- nesting boxes will be on the right with the roost straight across from the door:

All the ties in place, just need to square it up and finish placing the floor supports:

The white board in the middle will be cut and placed to form a + with the other tie in the middle for the floor supports:

 

[Baymule]

You're off to a good start!

 

[CowgirlMama]

So, DH has been working on the coop pretty much every evening and all afternoon today. Here is the updated progress so far!

As I type DH is out putting up the uprights that will be the corners of the coop... Hopefully I can post pics of that tomorrow!

We are constructing this coop on a MAJOR budget, so we are using whatever lumber we can find at our parents' houses and around the ranch we live on (hence the patchwork floor and railroad ties!)!

The base all finished before flooring is put down:

My dog, Toby is inspecting DH's work....

After the flooring is put down:

 

[Chicken-Rage]

Thats a hell of a start..........cant wait to see it finished.

 

[CowgirlMama]

Quote:
Haha... yeah... when DH started, he said he was going to build it so that a tractor (a big, farming tractor) could pick it up and put it on a trailer to move it... yeah- THAT'S not gonna happen!!! It will be VERY solid when its finished!! I guess that's what happens when you have someone who worked in construction for 4 years build your coop!

 

[macadam8157]

Floor looks like its ready to hold some weight!!! Lookin good, excited to see the big finale!

 

[CowgirlMama]

Here is the next step... DH and his dad are working on the coop today, hopefully it'll be done this weekend!! My chicks are now 8 weeks old and I am SO ready for them to be out of my garage!!!!

 

[gertiie]

 

[animalpro24]

Looks like it's gonna be a very nice coop. keep us posted.

 

[bryan99705]

I suggest skids and a hitch for that monster

Looks good waiting to see more