construction of my pen/coop, suggestions welcomed

[Bleenie]

I think it might be kind of expensive but your floor is small... I think if you got some clear-coat/sealant stuff and applied it to the floor it would make for much easier clean up and would be really easy to mop down if you needed to. Or linoleium if you can get your hands on some for cheap or free, that would be as million times better! and it's not too hard to put down.

 

[Harleena]

We are planning a new larger coop for our hens, and have used the space rule of 2sf per hen indoors, and 4sf per hen outdoors. What we've learned from our smaller coop is that yes, 3 birds will use one nest box. Our leghorn likes a wooden box that is about 14" square, with a circle opening in the front. That black plastic tub looks like a good idea, but I've noticed with our hens, they seem to like to be enclosed to feel safer, I guess. Our Orp hen will "growl" at us to leave her alone until she's done laying. I'm thinking of using pegboard for our nesting boxes inside the new coop because it can get very hot here. Another idea is to have a nesting box in the run on the ground for hot weather when the coop is like a hotbox. We are making many screened openings in the coop for ventilation that can be covered over in cold weather, and will use shade cloth over the top of the screened run. We've seen many plans here to go on. Ours is going to be the type that has the coop box sitting on top of an extended 3' high run, with the "stairs" leading up to a hole in the bottom of the coop. We are gong to use a vinyl flooring and wood chips inside the coop. And that poop board under their butts while they roost is a great idea. Yeah, see if you can figure a way to be able to gather the eggs from the coop without having to go inside the poopy pen. We are planning for an automatic waterer, too, but haven't decided which to use. We've used a round dog auto-waterer bowl before but they just poop in it. Maybe a goat's half circle auto-waterer bowl off the ground? One coop builder on here uses rabbit water bottles, and one used a bucket I think, with a water nipple of some sort? Anything to keep them from messing up their water, because it's such a water waste to have to keep cleaning it out. You have built a great aviary for all the other fowl you want to add.

 

[PunkinPeep]

I love that nest box you picked out. I think it's perfect. I would also make so it feels enclosed, by setting it in a box in the wall or putting a cover on it or something.

I also second the notion of getting your hands on some linoleum for that floor. And now is the perfect time for you to put it down, before you build walls. That way you can build the walls on top of the linoleum, and that will keep it in place (you won't have to use glue). If that plastic stuff you have is easy to clean, that might also work for a floor covering, but i wasn't clear on what that is.

Harleena didn't ask for advice, but i'll just respond by way of advice to you: i don't know where the 2sf per hen indoors and 4sf per hen outdoors rule comes from, but i think that's way too little space for standard size chickens.

Oh yes, and i also agree that if you can figure in an outside access for you to get the eggs from the nest boxes at this point, you will be very happy later that you took the time to do it.

Your place is looking great. You're going to have very happy birds.

And waytogo on thinking every step through so well.

 

[elmo]

About your idea to turn this into a mixed species aviary one day: I know people who have kept chickens and pigeons in the same run; it works, so long as you have enough room, as you do (unless you start adding many more individuals of both species). I'm not sure about adding pheasants, though. They might not get along well with your chickens, since both are primarily ground dwellking birds. Before you do, I'd run the idea by some folks who have more experience with the species, such as the people on this forum:

http://www.gbwf.org/phpBB3/index.php

 

[95yj]

all the birds will get along, you may have a few fights here and there but they won't kill each other. The bigger problem is disease, chickens are carriers of many diseases that will not affect them but can transmit to other birds, specificaly pheasants. I have kept doves, pigeons, chickens, pheasant and probably some others i can't think of together off and on for years with no problems, but many other members are quite adament about keeping species seperate, especialy the more exotic species of pheasant.

 

[Oopoo]

Quote:
You can make a 5 gallon bucket waterer. put it up on blocks and ta-da.

 

[Oopoo]

I know that when your chicks are outside you're supposed to keep "wild" birds away from them--transmittable diseases--but you'll be getting "new" or "domesticated" pigeons so???????

As far as that water spigeot goes--you could rig up one of those 5 gallon bucket waterers and set it under the tap for quick filling.

 

[gsim]

Like was mentioned already, allow no less than 4 sq ft/chook inside of coop. A 4 x 8 coop would take care of the 6 to 8 chooks you want. To max out the floor space and make life easier, do a nest box bumpout to the rear. through the enclosure. It will have to be secure for deterring predators. You will need only two nests for 8 birds. Coons can and will climb into your back yard to dine on your chickens. Make it dig-proof. Don't load up that space with too many residents. It is ok for your chickens, but I would not add much to the population of one that size. I did 80 sq ft/pullet and wish I had done it bigger. A properly done poop board will save you hours of work in changing, raking, turning litter. I change mine for 23 chooks only once a year. I do top it off occasionlywith some dried grass clippings or hay, maybe every 3 months or so. (I use grass clippings for litter and for nests and would not change. Free, smells good, and the chooks eat it.

Nice looking work and great for the kids. Animal husbandry helps a kid for a lifetime and teaches them that the world does not owe them a living, that the world does not revolve around them, as well as lessons in being responsible.

 

[PunkinPeep]

Quote:
For clarity, should that be 8 square feet?

 

[smarsh2]

i didn't read all the post, so some of this may be repetitive. you don't need to make your coop too tight, especially in Orange Co. CA; ventilation is very important. Also, your nest boxes will function better covered, and at a lower elevation than the roost; chickens like to roost on the highest point, and can take a liking to roosting in the nest. lastly, if you have dogs with access to the run area, you need to attach a perimeter wire on/under the ground outside the run to keep them from digging under. I suspect the dogs should help ward off most predators, however. Oh, and you mentioned replacing the tarp with something clear I believe. I think your climate will call for plenty of shade; I would keep some of the top solid for shade.

scott