Building away - adventures in a way too big chicken tractor

[kerner]

Doing a dry fit of the roof today and I’m a little worried my ventilation plan will let rain blow into the coop. There’s just under three inches of overhang on each side. What do you think?

 

[rosemarythyme]

Really depends on vent orientation vs wind direction. You could possibly take a board and screw it in hanging down from the edge of that roof to provide a buffer (where I have red outline):

 

[kerner]

You could possibly take a board and screw it in hanging down from the edge of that roof to provide a buffer (where I have red outline):

How tall do you think that board would need to be? Drop all the way below the opening? How does that impact ventilation?

 

[rosemarythyme]

How tall do you think that board would need to be? Drop all the way below the opening? How does that impact ventilation?

It shouldn't impact ventilation since there's still a good sized gap between there and where the wall is, so air can flow up and in/out.

Not sure the measurements on the area in question, but maybe a board as wide as the one in front (under the higher part of the roof) should be a good size.

 

[kerner]

Another picture heavy, large update on coop construction. Rain has been slowing us down quite a bit, but we should be able to finish up this week.

We got the coop fully enclosed except for the opening for the popdoor. I decided to have some ventilation above the door so it's open all the way to the top. The latches and hinges are all working great on the full access door and the egg access panel.

We also got the blue part of the roof painted, the human door assembled, and the popdoor frame. You can also see two trailer jacks attached at the front of the coop. If the ground is really hard they'll roll just fine. Tonight we managed to move it pretty easily the full length of the coop with some strips of leftover plywood under the wheels. Adding handles and one person can probably move it with the wood.

This weekend we were able to finally finish enclosing the coop and give the chickens some enclosed time. It's 1/2" hardware cloth all around. My wife was a trooper and attached most of the wire over the last three weekends.

Attaching the popdoor frame went fairly smoothly. The door got cut and painted to slide inside it. There's still a question about the best way to raise/lower it and whether or not it needs a locking mechanism.

The front door got attached and because everything was enclosed the chicks got to enjoy the run for most of a sunny, warm afternoon.

Yesterday I got the roof brace attached and a first coat of sealer on the inside of the coop. We're going with a silicone, elastomeric roof coating for both the roof and the floor of the coop. There was enough in a gallon for two solid coats on both. I'm debating a third coat on the roof but haven't decided yet.

The second coat of roof sealant went onto the coop floor and the roof of the coop this morning, and I took a break in the afternoon to finish painting the popdoor and put it in place. I'm really happy with the way things are coming together.

The roof sealant should be cured tomorrow and if there's a break in the rain we'll get it attached to the top of the coop. The chicks also moved from the tub inside to the tub on our porch to avoid any fumes from the roof drying inside overnight. They've done great for the past three nights out there and I'm thinking we'll just move them to the coop this weekend - they've got a ceramic heatbulb on the porch right now and it will probably go to the coop with them.

What's left:

• Attaching the roof - hopefully tomorrow.
• Attaching the ramp - hopefully tomorrow.
• PVC feeders - planning to have one that's open in the coop and another that opens down below in the shaded/rain protected area. Will probably tackle this one night later this week or over the weekend.
• Build the nipple waterer. I've got the bucket and nipples, just need to put it together (probably with the feeders).
• Working out the pop door open/close mechanism. It slides up and down really well in the slot between the exterior frame and an interior frame on the opening. I'll probably add some weight to the door as well, but because it's in the entirely enclosed coop I wasn't too worried about locking it.

What am I leaving out?
Does the door need a lock?

My chicks will be five weeks old this weekend, are mostly feathered, and lows are right now around 50° - they're doing well in a tub with a ceramic bulb. I'm thinking the'll be ok in a smaller box in the coop with some heat.

 

[aart]

You can also see two trailer jacks attached at the front of the coop. If the ground is really hard they'll roll just fine. Tonight we managed to move it pretty easily the full length of the coop with some strips of leftover plywood under the wheels.

You may always have to use these.

My chicks will be five weeks old this weekend, are mostly feathered, and lows are right now around 50° - they're doing well in a tub with a ceramic bulb. I'm thinking the'll be ok in a smaller box in the coop with some heat.

I'd get them off the heat now.

 

[kerner]

I'd get them off the heat now.

Think they’ll be fine in 45-50° lows?

 

[aart]

Think they’ll be fine in 45-50° lows?

Yep, if coop is draft free.
I wean mine off the heat inside by 4-5 weeks.
How did they behave during their 'field trip' outside?
Will that tote fit inside the coop?
That might make them feel secure and block drafts.

I have used a huddle box before:
Make them a 'huddle box', put it in the brooder after turning off the heat(you might have to 'persuade' them to use it) then move it out to the coop with them.

Cardboard box with a bottom a little bigger than what they need to cuddle next to each other without piling and tall enough for them to stand in.

Cut an opening on one side a couple inches from bottom and big enough for 2-3 of them to go thru at once.

Fill the bottom with some pine shavings an inch or so deep.

This will give them a cozy place to sleep/rest, block any drafts and help hold their body heat in.

 

[kerner]

My plan was to put the tub they've been using as a brooder into the coop on the side. I've also been thinking about a huddle box as an option. I may do that inside the brooder and then just move the huddle box to the coop.

 

[aart]

My plan was to put the tub they've been using as a brooder into the coop on the side. I've also been thinking about a huddle box as an option. I may do that inside the brooder and then just move the huddle box to the coop.

Either, or both, would work.
But really, start to wean them off the heat inside....or just turn it off.
That bin probably holds heat from the CHE, so whole brooder may be rather warm.