Authentic Woods KD (Knock Down) 10' by 16' Coop Build

[Conan]

I have one of these that I used to build a mama plate using @aart description. Worked great for that application as we were back and forth to tuck the chicks in every evening.

For the egg warmer I want to turn it on around 5am until ~10am using a timer so the AutoOff defeats that unless I get up real early. The seedling mat does seem like a good bet for this application. I have assembled a substitute using pipe heat wire, since I have already spent the money I will see if it works.

Thanks!

I see. I missed the timer bit the first go round. Whoops!

I'll be interested to see what you come up with. Likely something nifty, considering what you've done thus far.

 

[aart]

using a timer so the AutoOff defeats that

It's not the 'auto-off' that defeats it, it's the digital controls...
...they will not come back on when power is restores without manual intervention.

 

[Ted Brown]

It's not the 'auto-off' that defeats it, it's the digital controls...
...they will not come back on when power is restores without manual intervention.

Correct, same end result.

 

[Ted Brown]

I finally got the two tarps I ordered for the ramp enclosure, I had a piece of 6mm vapour barrier stapled but would not have lasted through the winter. The tarps are crossed over one another and zip-tied to the HC; better attachment and I allowed more ventilation.

This is how the run under the coop is prepared for the winter.

 

[aart]

Let it SNOW!!

 

[jthornton]

@Ted Brown how's it going up there, you guys thaw out yet?

JT

 

[Ted Brown]

@Ted Brown how's it going up there, you guys thaw out yet?

JT

JT all good. We are on the tail end of winter, most snow gone although we get squalls where fresh snow blows around then is gone a few hours later. My birds are unwrapped and outside in their run most of the day. You may have read I had to get rid of 3 of my 4 cockerels, the amount of disruption had gotten beyond tolerable. I did the deed and was astounded at how calm the coop became. I learned a lot through the process.

My summer work life is started, building a 12' by 30' extension on a existing 20' by 28' cabin. Two bedrooms so straight forward. Good to be busy again.

I am watching your 10' by 16' Coop build thread. It will be fine when you have it in operation. Hope you are staying safe!

 

[ChickenLittle5]

@Ted Brown how did the Woods coop work out for you over the winter? Did you fill the need to cover the front windows any? I need to build a coop and like the idea of the Woods coop. Just wondering how it is working out for you. It looks gorgeous! Does it work as well as it looks? If you were to do it again, would you still build a Woods Coop?

 

[Ted Brown]

@Ted Brown how did the Woods coop work out for you over the winter? Did you fill the need to cover the front windows any? I need to build a coop and like the idea of the Woods coop. Just wondering how it is working out for you. It looks gorgeous! Does it work as well as it looks? If you were to do it again, would you still build a Woods Coop?

The Woods coop I built does everything and more that I hoped for.

I closed the side and monitor windows as required in late November, I did not cover the front windows at all; I did have some slight intrusion of snow along the front floor in situations with high winds, this disappeared within a few hours some from evaporation some from the birds mucking about. I had no sign of frost inside the coop.

As you can see my run is currently limited to the space underneath, I tarped 90% of the HC as well as the ramp enclosure. Use of this space decreased significantly especially when temperatures went below -20C but it was still used.

My birds suffered a very small amount of frost bite, always on days when the temperatures were -25C or lower. However, nothing significant.

"If you were to do it again...". I am already planning a 2nd Wood's coop, this one will be 8' by 12' and mobile. I plan on getting purebred White Chanteclers (well suited to my climate and Canada's original "home grown" breed). I will separate as I plan to sell eggs or chicks or pullets to contribute to perpetuation of this heritage breed.

I strongly recommend building using the original method as I did. It is less expensive and quicker than using modern stick framing and produces a very strong building that can be dismantled if necessary. If you proceed do not build anything smaller than 8' by 12' and maintain the wall heights specified for the 10' by 16' KD in the book (being able to stand up and move around inside is a huge gift).

I am more than happy to answer any questions you may have as you proceed.

Best of luck and enjoy, chickens are awesome!!!

 

[jthornton]

being able to stand up and move around inside is a huge gift

I second that statement, you just don't have any idea how important that is till you build one of those cute designs found on the web...

JT