Coop Build

[ValerieJ]

We are building a new coop this year because we didn't build large enough the first time. we also have raccoons to worry about, so we will be using 1/2" hardware cloth all around the run, even though it sits in a large fenced in area that has a hot wire around the perimeter. Luckily I haven't had a raccoon attack since I started keeping chickens 4 years ago, but I don't even want to think about how I'd feel If I came out to missing heads and wings.

 

[RebelChief]

Hmmmm....I'll have to talk to the contractor today. I'm a bit small but I was only planning on 4 birds, not 8. I'm already behind. My coup is 21 SF at the moment. I will see if he can build out a bit more. Sigh...

I didn't do the math right... it's just big enough for 8. No more. This will make me stick to my promise not to increase my flock. I want to stay married

 

[ValerieJ]

I didn't do the math right... it's just big enough for 8. No more. This will make me stick to my promise not to increase my flock. I want to stay married

You mean the coop is 32sf and the run is 80sf? Be sure to add some obstacles to the run, places to roost in the run, and objects to duck behind, so anyone low in the pecking order is not overly harassed. Also, I recommend more than one feeding/watering station.

 

[RebelChief]

Understood on the $s for sure. And with a covered run, that under-coop space isn't as important. With the raccoons, how are you predator proofing the run area? Lots of tales on BYC about raccoons reaching through chicken wire. The good news is that you've joined a community of very helpful and supportive chicken owners.

Not using chicken wire...all hardware cloth. They will be in the coop at night. Don't see too many raccoons in the daytime.

 

[RebelChief]

You mean the coop is 32sf and the run is 80sf? Be sure to add some obstacles to the run, places to roost in the run, and objects to duck behind, so anyone low in the pecking order is not overly harassed. Also, I recommend more than one feeding/watering station.

The coop is exactly 32 sf, not including the egg boxes. The run is well over 550 sf total. 400 in a fenced in area with tree coverage and 150 under the roof. I plan to add lots of things to keep them occupied . I have a couple water set ups and I plan to make a PVC pipe auto waterer that will connect to a cooler so I can make sure they have cool/cold water in the hot Texas summer.

 

[RebelChief]

We are building a new coop this year because we didn't build large enough the first time. we also have raccoons to worry about, so we will be using 1/2" hardware cloth all around the run, even though it sits in a large fenced in area that has a hot wire around the perimeter. Luckily I haven't had a raccoon attack since I started keeping chickens 4 years ago, but I don't even want to think about how I'd feel If I came out to missing heads and wings.

Do you lock them in at night? Do you worry about them inside the coop?

 

[RebelChief]

Update on build. Slowly but surely we are getting there. I ordered an auto opening door from Ladies First https://www.ladiesfirstchickendoor.com/products/ and decided to add more windows to the sides over the egg boxes. They started painting and put the roof on today. Progress is slow but steady.

Made some signs for the coop today too. I picked up some vintage boards when I was up in San Antonio from a place called The Old Barn and they are perfect for signs. Fun stuff to keep me busy while I wait for the coop to be done.

 

[ValerieJ]

Do you lock them in at night? Do you worry about them inside the coop?

I do not. I have electric wire around the run and bird netting over the top. It is not perfectly secure, which is why I am building a new larger coop and run inside the current run. I have never shut them in and never had a night predator in 4 years. Only the eagles, who attacked during the day. I have evidence that the bird netting worked with them this last week. They tore a hole in the netting, but couldn't get to the chickens. Now they know about the netting and I don't expect them back. We just have the one pair here. Bald Eagles are very territorial here. I know they aren't in Alaska, but here the food is scarce so they diligently their territory.

 

[ValerieJ]

Update on build. Slowly but surely we are getting there. I ordered an auto opening door from Ladies First https://www.ladiesfirstchickendoor.com/products/ and decided to add more windows to the sides over the egg boxes. They started painting and put the roof on today. Progress is slow but steady.

Made some signs for the coop today too. I picked up some vintage boards when I was up in San Antonio from a place called The Old Barn and they are perfect for signs. Fun stuff to keep me busy while I wait for the coop to be done.

Looks awesome!

 

[blackdog043]

The coop is looking good!
Nice job on the signs!