Building a small coop and run on the edge of the 'burbs

[GarageChickens]

I'm using a recycled dog pen for my outside run. It originally was a 10x10, but really had to be reduced to a 5x10 because of damaged parts.



Our city, Leavenworth, Kan., requires chicken coops to be at least 75 feet from neighboring homes. The only somewhat level spot I had in that range is right in front of the blackberry patch. Those pullets will be probably get a berry or two when the fruit goes into season.

I got some pavers and edgers to provide a base and frame for the run.



Frame for the 4x3 coop is up. I considered put it inside the run, but for ease of cleaning, egg retreval, etc., I thought this would work better. I started digging the perimeter to sink some scrap welded wire fencing 18 inches into the ground all the way around. I left about 4 inches of fencing above ground to help hold the pavers and edgers together.





Somewhat more level.



Uh, oh. The inspector shows up.



He says there are a few things I could have done better, but work can proceed.



The run installed.



Weather shut down the worksite today, but we'll get back at it next weekend. Those chicks need a home!

 

[suzyQlou]

Looks like a great start! Hope that inspector goes easy on you. Bet it's tough meeting expectations for someone so cute

 

[GarageChickens]

The Inspector is my youngest grandson. He thinks all of this is for him and who am I to disagree?

He knows those little fluffy chicks we got five weeks ago are quickly turning into chickens, so Papa needs to get busy.

 

[GarageChickens]

Last weekend was a bust because of the weather, but this weekend was better. Three of four walls done, inside and out. I underestimated the number of 2x4s I needed, plus some recycled OSB that was not as good as I thought it was -- good enough for walls, but not a roof.

The fourth wall is a window and the nest boxes -- the most complicated wall. It will all be good, then I have to figure out a roof. I think it will be a simple roof because I am tired and want to move my chickens (seven weeks old) out of the garage.

My Lab still wants to play with them, so we are working on that.

 

[aggiemae]

Last weekend was a bust because of the weather, but this weekend was better. Three of four walls done, inside and out. I underestimated the number of 2x4s I needed, plus some recycled OSB that was not as good as I thought it was -- good enough for walls, but not a roof.

The fourth wall is a window and the nest boxes -- the most complicated wall. It will all be good, then I have to figure out a roof. I think it will be a simple roof because I am tired and want to move my chickens (seven weeks old) out of the garage.

My Lab still wants to play with them, so we are working on that.

Ours are six weeks old and the brooder in our utility room. It's 2'x3' and 3' high but it's getting crowded. I am glad that I didn't go with the rubbermaid container brooder I had planned on using. I am making a portable run which sould be finished tomorrow anf then I will get busy on the coop.

One of our dogs is OBSESSED with the chicks. Unfortunatly she seems to think they are some new wonderful squeaky toys. She picked one up and ran off with it the first day. The chick was unharmed and we have never let it happen again. She is usually a very well behaived girl but she is getting into fights with the other dogs when they try to get near her toys.