Building my 1st coop

[ncffp163]

Ok...dropped the nest box to 6" above the floor. Thanks for the info Y'all. Then started putting on the siding today, but got rained out. I had taken 6 days off for a camping trip that I had planned on taking, but wound up not being able to go. So I figured I'd start on the coop. Now they're calling for rain on the last 3 days of vacation. Was hoping to have the coop ready for chicks next weekend.

 

[loveourbirds]

if it helps, I think of the rain as liquid sunshine.

 

[ncffp163]

I know we need the rain...but never fails...always rains when I take time off.

 

[loveourbirds]

unfortunately rain is part of farming too. since you have a small flock, it wont matter as much if it takes another week. but the quicker you can get them out, the better. from the looks and sounds of things, you wont need to much electricity. just work between sprinkles.

 

[ncffp163]

Finally quit raining last night. Got the siding put on and the main door built today.

 

[loveourbirds]

looks pretty good.

what type of wood did you use for the siding?

 

[ncffp163]

Juniper and Cypress. I had gotten the wood years ago, when I was building bird feeders and birdhouses. I just couldn't see paying 40.00 a sheet for regular siding. I'm wanting to use a natural/clear finish on it. I think the grain is too pretty to cover it up.

 

[loveourbirds]

i agree about the grain, it is beautiful. our junipers and cypress aren't big enough for that here. the closest thing we have is cedar, and its questionable on how safe it is for chickens so im afraid to use it.

 

[ncffp163]

I know not to use the cedar shavings. Not sure about solid cedar though. Thinking about putting some 1/4" plywood on the inside of the coop to be on the safe side.

 

[loveourbirds]

you could probably just paint it.... i think its just the shavings too. but the plywood would give you a little bit of insulation too.