Coop Almost Finished

[shawnj72]

My coop is almost finished. It couldnt come soon enough. I would like some constructive Critisim. It was my first time building such a thing so take it Easy.. I have more Pictures on my Page..

 

[foxfire]

I like it!

 

[txmel]

very nice!

 

[kichohana]

I love the coop! Looks like a little cabin in the woods. I do have a concern regarding ventilation - as in I see no ventilation. Am I missing it? Those triangular windows are great - could they be removable for the warmer weather with screens/hardware cloth behind? Especially the ones under the large overhang. I understand in your climate you're concerned about cold in the winter, but heat (and lack of fresh air) is much more detrimental to a chicken's health.

Also - your run? is it hardware cloth/welded wire or octagonal "chicken wire". If it's chicken wire please reinforce the bottom 2 feet with hardware cloth or welded wire fencing. I'd hate to read about your chickens on the predators/pests forum. Many animals can tear right through conventional chicken wire. I see you have an apron or a "moat" of rocks, which is great and will deter a digging predator, but a determined dog, fox, coyote or raccoon will tear right through the chicken wire.

Just my 2 cents worth.

 

[ailurophile23]

Absolutely gorgeous! I have the same concerns as kichohana - ventillation mainly. If the "windows" are screened, that would help. Also, a ridge vent (may need hardware cloth under or over it) might help as well though you might have to adjust the plastic over the rafters to make it work. Otherwise, the run and the coop look grand!

 

[shawnj72]

Thank You. The Windows Open on both sides The Center Window Opens up on both sides. Which allows a good cross breeze. The ridge vent has a 1" gap all across the top. there is cloth under the Rocks and will be doing the bottom 3 feet when budget allows.. i think i have 3 or 4 weeks before they are ready to go outside. I will be putting mesh on the windows this weekend since the weather has be crazy here hasnt warmed up much just for a couple of days. and the still like their heat lamp.. I let them out in the coop and they come out for a bit and when i come back to check on them they are back in their box resting.. yesterday i didnt let them out and i think they were a bit discouraged.. they were all standing by the bord i took of the day prior waiting for me to let them out but i dot want to leave them un attended quite yet.. aka 5 kids and problem with leaving door open and neighbors dog.. I've been on a budgit so i have been going to the sawmill getting rough cut and recycled materials when i can.. roofing was left over from a buddys house and i made my own windows.. I just wonder what they did way back when I dont remeber ever seeing chicken coops or runs.. hmmmm.

 

[Noymira]

You have obviously put a lot of time and care into building this, it's beautiful!

I do agree with the others on ventilation and maybe some stronger wire on the run, but those are pretty minor fixes considering how much work you've already done!

 

[krcote]

One of the nicest coops I have seen in a while! Great job

 

[shawnj72]

Yes My wife has been complaining I've been spending all of my time on my coop. I work 12 hrs a day just to keep food in my 5 kids mouth. And i tell her if I dont work on it Who is going to?..I remeber a time when people used to help.. now it seems like noone has the time or the energy to help anymore.. Ive been working on it since late march every day.. and Im telling ya.. I need to relax a bit..

 

[ailurophile23]

Sounds like you have the ventillation under control. I love the look of rough cut lumber and salvaging materials from other jobs or remodels. Looks like there is plenty of room in the coop for the chicks and for you. Enjoy!