Building our first coop

[wvmedic31]

Hello from WV.

I have a question on coop building, I see most people use 2X4's in building there coops. Would using 2X3's not work for framing a 4'X8' coop?

We built the base day before yesterday using 2X4's and a 3/4" deck. I plan on picking up more materials tomorrow, so I was just wondering why not use 2X3's for framing.

Thanks, Jeff

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

Well I am not a carpenter but have built a 4 x 4 coop and I wouldn't use 2 x 3's since they are weaker. My coop is massively heavy. I did a modified Purina's.

 

[wvmedic31]

Thank you, ChickensAreSweet. I decided to use 2X4's.
Please over look the mess, we haven't had this place very long and we are in the process of cleaning it up.

 

[wvmedic31]

Now I just have to figure out how I'm going to frame my nesting boxes.

 

[PunkyReid]

I am also building my first coop (converting A 12'x8' Doll house). I need to build a run and I was wondering what the best netting/fencing/wire to use?Also at this time I am on a slim budget. My chicks are only a week old so I have a little time. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[PunkyReid]

Thank you, ChickensAreSweet. I decided to use 2X4's.
Please over look the mess, we haven't had this place very long and we are in the process of cleaning it up.

It is nice to see ground with no Snow on it!!!

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

Thank you, ChickensAreSweet. I decided to use 2X4's.
Please over look the mess, we haven't had this place very long and we are in the process of cleaning it up.

That is looking excellent!

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

I am also building my first coop (converting A 12'x8' Doll house). I need to build a run and I was wondering what the best netting/fencing/wire to use?Also at this time I am on a slim budget. My chicks are only a week old so I have a little time. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Only 1/2 inch hardware cloth will keep out rats and weasels, which kill chickens.

Welded wire fencing is good if you are closing them up in the coop at night- line the bottom part with hardware cloth to keep owls, raccoons, and hawks from pulling chickens through the welded wire. You can apron the hardware cloth out at the bottom or bury it to prevent diggers from gaining access.

Chicken wire is like it is not even there to a raccoon or dog.

So for the most expensive, go with hardware cloth - it is predator proof (well electric fencing along with that is even better).

For a cheaper alternative, welded wire that is lined is doable.

Don't forget pen toppers, such as heavy knotted netting (hang for snow load- if you get a lot of snow you may need to do a solid roof) or welded wire/hardware cloth as there are climbing predators.

For my pen, I have welded wire and they get closed up at night. I have huge pens. I buy 100 feet for about $100 at Home Depot.

 

[PunkyReid]

Only 1/2 inch hardware cloth will keep out rats and weasels, which kill chickens.

Welded wire fencing is good if you are closing them up in the coop at night- line the bottom part with hardware cloth to keep owls, raccoons, and hawks from pulling chickens through the welded wire. You can apron the hardware cloth out at the bottom or bury it to prevent diggers from gaining access.

Chicken wire is like it is not even there to a raccoon or dog.

So for the most expensive, go with hardware cloth - it is predator proof (well electric fencing along with that is even better).

For a cheaper alternative, welded wire that is lined is doable.

Don't forget pen toppers, such as heavy knotted netting (hang for snow load- if you get a lot of snow you may need to do a solid roof) or welded wire/hardware cloth as there are climbing predators.

For my pen, I have welded wire and they get closed up at night. I have huge pens. I buy 100 feet for about $100 at Home Depot.

Thanks for the great Info.

 

[bamaher12]

Your first coop depends on how many birds you are going to raise. In my case, I went a little crazy, I bought a house out in the middle of nowhere and to my discovery there was three chickens wondering around the acreage, so I built a 16x 20, with a enclosed 6x10 coop with a 9 hole nesting box. Now a year later I have a little over 50 chickens, 2 ducks, and 1 guinea. They free range during the day and I shut them up when they go to roost. When I constructed the pen I set all my post, then I dug a trench about 16" below the ground level and bent a L shape in it at the bottom so no problem animals could dig under the wire. Pics to come