Beginning of the chicken coop and run

[AircraftMech]

O.K. So this is what we have so far. The run is 24 x 12 feet.

We had the fence panels on the property so that is what we used. All we had to do is take them apart and clean the weeds out of them, then move them and put them together.
The wire mesh fencing was rolled up behind the building so we drug that out to use it also. Here you can see the wire fence goes up 3 feet from the ground.

This is a picture of the wire fence folded out on the ground, it sticks out 3 feet. I saw this idea on a site, but I can't remember which one it was. This should keep the neighborhood dogs, coyotes, and the other unwanted guests from digging under the run.

This is going to be the "main "coop. It isn't to big, but should work fine for the chickens. I'll post pictures of the inside when I get it ready for the chickens.

We are going to put up some plywood after we take down the chain link fence on this side and make a second coop for the chickens to use if they want to. Or if we get more chickens, then they can stay on this side.

This is the "main" room of the building. It has the power and a concrete floor, so this is the main storage area and where we will put the refrigerator to store the eggs, feed and other items. Notice the how close the pond is to end of the building. I have a plan to utilize that for the chickens too. But you will have to wait and see the pictures after I get that done.

So let me know what every one thinks and if any one sees something I should change. I would rather some one point something out now then after I think I have everything all ready done and ready to go. So far the only money we have spent is for a 3 gallon waterer and I don't remember how much I paid for it at Big R. The girls saw it and we just had to buy it. It doesn't matter that we don't have any chickens yet. We just had to have the water can.
So I guess now it is up to you all to let me know what you think I need to change or just let me know what you think. Thanks, Chris

 

[Jayare's Chicks]

Hey Chris,
Looking good so far. I am guessing you are in the CG.
I just retired from the Coast Guard last September. I was an FSC and was running the Golden Anchor for the last 4 years. I moved from Kodiak down here to Alabama and I have about 58 chicks & chickens right now. I have more hatching in the next day or so too. What kind of chicks are you planning on getting? Since you already have the pond you may as well get some ducklings also. Their eggs are great for baking I hear. I got 6 ducks also and I am hoping at least 1 of them turns out to be a drake. I've got my eye on 1 of them and waiting to see what it turns out to be as it appears the other 5 are girls.
I have found that my Rhode Island Reds are very friendly and they let us hold them and pet them almost whenever we want and they lay some Big Brown Eggs.

Jayare

 

[Cetawin]

It is looking good so far but one thing that would concern me...that wire is not going to stop kingsnakes or a fox or coon reaching through to snatch and grab a chicken. A chicken being pulled through a fence and wire is not a pretty sight.

I would use something with smaller mesh on the bottom to keep little paws and slithers out. A completel covered top would stop the hawks and eagles from above.

Kingsnakes will eat the eggs in a heartbeat and grab small chicks if thy get the chance..

 

[AircraftMech]

O.K. So I have two questions after reading the reply from Cetawin.
1. Can't I just use netting to cover the top of the run, or do I want to use some more tarp?
2. If the chickens are put in the coop at night do I really need to worry about any other critters going after the chickens in the run, since they will only be "out" during the day?
As far as the king snakes, I was told by a neighbor that I don't need to worry about them, just rattlers. We haven't had any snake problems here so far, and I'm hoping it stays that way.
So thanks for pointing those items out to me. Anything else that anyone can think of, please let me know.
Thanks,
Chris

 

[AircraftMech]

One other thing that I forgot to ask. How should I attach the netting if I go that route? Should I try to pull it as tight as I can and leave it at that or should I put some kind of cross braces under it? Any advice? Let me know, Chris

 

[Cetawin]

I would use frame work to attach the netting but as you have chain link, maybe cinching it down tight and tying it to the chainlink or poles would work?

Well, if rattlers are a problem then you do not have a kingsnake around

. I was merely mentioning them because they will eat your eggs for sure.

I have a LARGE old kingsnake that suns himself in my yard...almost 6' long. All my neighbors have rattlers in their yard and I do not have a single one even come through the yard! So..my kingsnake is well taken care of and very welcome here....except in my coop. That is being secured against him before the girls go out.

Edit: The tarp will not hold up against rain and snow as well as the netting. The weight of water and snow can bring a tarp down. The tarp is great to give them some shade but I would not use it as a cover, so to speak.

 

[AircraftMech]

Quote:
I was thinking the same thing, I will have to take it down come winter time and put up some type of netting. I think I will try your idea of seeing if I can stretch it tight and fasten it to the top tube of the frame. I just got done moving the sprinkler head that was in the middle of the run. I added four more pop up heads to the north side of the run and relocated the big sprinkler head to the south side. So much fun digging in the dirt and then filling it all back in with in an hour of digging it up. Thanks, Chris

 

[Cetawin]

LOL yup dig it up to dig again and again.

I learned about the tarp and snow load in Tacoma last year. My best friend had a tarp up over her 5 girls and they were standing there minding their own business when the tarp gave way and snow dumped down on them...very unhappy chickens! They were all okay just ticked!

I am building a small coop now for my 6 girls, getting 21 more girls on July 23rd, then moving that weekend (with the small coop) and then I must build a new big coop at the new place for all the girls.

Chickens make us crazy huh?

Edit: afterthought you could run a 2 x 4 across the top and anchor it to the chain link's poles...then staple the tarp to that 2 x 4 to help keep it in place. Maybe?

 

[AircraftMech]

My Neighbor was cleaning out his shed and brought me a Costco car cover frame. You know, the ones that look like a big white tent. We put the top of it together and it is long enough to go from one end to the other. Only problem is the poles that go down to the side are to short. So we are going to see what we can come up with to reach. It will make the "roof" line pretty high, but that's good because the run is only 6' high and I'm 6'3" tall. I'll post some more pictures when we get it up. What kind of plants do you think I should plant along the sides? MLW (my loving wife) thinks we need something to "dress" up the sides a bit. When it comes to flowers and such I'm in waaaay over my head. LOL Any suggestions would be great. Thanks again for the advice. I feel like you and the other members that have posted threads about their coops are helping us out big time.
Chris

 

[dixygirl]

Some azalea hedges are always lovely when in bloom. Shrub roses. Maybe some taller Rhododendums in the back on each side to frame it.

Try some daylily bulbs and Asian lily bulbs too.

Good luck!