Coop and Run Pix

[peckpeckpeck]

Can I move in? This coop is gorgeous!!

Mary, why would you need extra woven wire on top of the hardware cloth? I thought dogs & coyotes couldn't get through hardware cloth. I went for 1/2" since that would also keep raccoon hands & rats out.

 

[aart]

Nice setup!

Is that your house right next to coop?

Got a plan for snow load on the run roof?

 

[NancyNurseCxMama]

Nice setup!

Is that your house right next to coop?

Got a plan for snow load on the run roof?

Nope, that's my shed. Amish-built. DH has built beautiful sheds before but that kind of project is a bit too much now. He did enjoy finally finding sheds that met his standards, though!
The possible snow load is what's going to make the run roof more of a big project. DH wants to do a peaked roof, of course, and he always tends to build things to withstand any apocalypse that may occur. I can see the wheels turning when he starts talking about it.
He's the planner, I give the final okay and then I help whenever it's needed. It's worked for us through two complete house guttings and rebuilds (true tests of a marriage). Windows, doors, siding, kitchens, bathrooms, tiling, heating systems, etc, etc, etc. He was in HVAC before he retired so he does plumbing, electrical, and gas lines too.
He has health issues now but he's always eager to do whatever he can. No more house rebuilds but a chicken run and such stuff is still doable.
The chickens were my idea but he is really enjoying them.

 

[Folly's place]

I'm paranoid, and decided that adding woven wire made sense. Picturing two 100 lb. stray dogs, and worried about the hardware cloth. My coop and roofed run, not stained or painted, but it works. Mary

 

[aart]

DH wants to do a peaked roof,

It's a good idea.....as steep as possible...metal sheathing.

Keeping my 2x4 mesh roof clear of wet sticky snow or ice so it doesn't collapse can be a real bear. Tho yours has much sturdier framing 1/2"HC is going to grab all the snow.

I wish I had a solid roof on the run, would make winter much more enjoyable for the birds.

 

[Folly's place]

This year a large spruce tree fell on my coop roof, and DID NOT collapse the building, thanks to good framing! I did get new roofing over the west side because of holes in the roof from the spruce, so there are no longer three different shingle colors up there. Also more mulch, and next year, fire wood.
I agree about roofing, it's wonderful! I had 2" diameter chicken wire as a roof on the run before, just to keep raptors out. It did collect some snow, and the chickens wanted shoveled paths in winter or they stayed in. The new structure works as coop and run and is very nice! Most days the flock free ranges. Mary

 

[NancyNurseCxMama]

It's a good idea.....as steep as possible...metal sheathing.

Keeping my 2x4 mesh roof clear of wet sticky snow or ice so it doesn't collapse can be a real bear. Tho yours has much sturdier framing 1/2"HC is going to grab all the snow.

I wish I had a solid roof on the run, would make winter much more enjoyable for the birds.

Oh boy....if we don't get that roof done you know where I'll be with the first snowstorm.
Ladder, broom, profanity.
Followed by hot cocoa with butterscotch schnapps by the fireplace!

 

[aart]

Ladder, broom, profanity

Don't bother with a broom, get a roof rake
Same year my run almost collapsed, a metal shed roof did collapse-luckily not all the way and another was pretty bowed. Late wet 18"er.
I hacked together a roof rake and now use it almost obsessively.
Thankfully I don't need a ladder tho.

Got plans for heating the waterer?
Where are you in the Valley? My bro is near Saugerties.

 

[NancyNurseCxMama]

Don't bother with a broom, get a roof rake
Same year my run almost collapsed, a metal shed roof did collapse-luckily not all the way and another was pretty bowed. Late wet 18"er.
I hacked together a roof rake and now use it almost obsessively.
Thankfully I don't need a ladder tho.

Got plans for heating the waterer?
Where are you in the Valley? My bro is near Saugerties.

We are down in Orange County---lower HV. Saugerties is about an hour away from us, I think.
We don't have electric to the coop so either creativity or willingness to keep going out with a new load of water (or both) will be needed. I've seen a lot of novel ideas.
One of the strangest was taking a car tire, filling it with rocks, and setting it in the sun in the run. Leave a space in the middle for a black rubber bowl of water and add a few ping pong balls that will break up light surface ice as they blow with the breeze.
I thought that sounded interesting.
Ideas please?

 

[NancyNurseCxMama]

I'm paranoid, and decided that adding woven wire made sense. Picturing two 100 lb. stray dogs, and worried about the hardware cloth. My coop and roofed run, not stained or painted, but it works. View attachment 1103462 View attachment 1103467 View attachment 1103478 Mary

Your coop looks nice!!! I love the roof. Looks homey and cozy.
I see both you and aart are in Michigan---probably get a lot more snow than we do, I would imagine. I have a friend in Warren and she gets tons more than we get here.