Building a coop, and run. UPDATE 10/31/08 FINALLY DONE......

[gotchooks?]

Looks great! I really like the signs...and your daughter with the chick is precious.

 

[tknjk]

Well today I got the nesting box done, I got some painting done, the door for the chickens. I still need to add an opening, and closing mech. to the door.

I need to make dividers for the nesting box. I need to make the doors for the windows, and I should be set. I also managed to close off the gaps with lattice.

I think it's gonna be a nice cozy winter home for my chickens. Can't wait to start getting some eggs. I can't wait till spring so I can start landscaping around the
coop, and run.

 

[tknjk]

Quick question. How long should my roost be for 7 chickens inside the coop?

 

[LynneP]

We like OSB and once it's primed and painted it holds up well. You can also clad it and/or insulate inside since you're building from scratch. If you insulate, be sure to also use vapor seal, tuck tape and sheathing. Lots of instructions in home page below.

Looks like you have a lovely bunch and with the coop close to the house you'll want to be in there a lot!

Your roost- allow about a foot/bird, or a little more. We made 3 roosts on the same level, parallel and it stops them from getting uptight about how high each one is.

That open lattice you're using? Consider sheathing it with hardware cloth. Chickens get caught in the darndest places. If they don;t go there, consider leaving it open in at least one place so you can supervise the space for rodents. If a cat can get under there to hunt rodents probably won't try to access the coop.

 

[sillybirds]

Your coop looks good! It must be a relief to be almost done. Mine seems like it'll never get finished. You nest box looks nice and sturdy.

I've read to allow 10-12 inches roost length per standard chicken.

 

[tknjk]

The chicken door painted, and string ran for the opening, and closing.

My little Idea. It keeps the string tight, and doesn't allow it to be blown in the wind, and get tangled up. You can guess the rest.

The front ventilation panel hinged up, and latches installed.

Here it is opened. I still need to screen it in. I willcome up with a system for opening it in smaller incriments.

Here is the cleaning access door closed.

And now Opened.

Here is their ramp to access the coop, and get out.

And thats all folks. I'm Done. Now all I have to do is wait a couple more weeks to add the chickens.

I do however have a question. Should I keep their food, and water inside the coop, or outside the coop?
Almost forgot I still need to add the roosts inside. Oops. :| Guess I'm not done after all.

 

[PassthePeace1]

Looks awesome!

 

[tknjk]

I forgot all about this thread. Thanks for all the compliments. I have had my chicks out there for about 2 weeks now, and all is good. They love it, and it is getting "poopinated" very well now.