I purchased a ready to put together coop at our local ranch supply store. It was cute and all and is working, (only have two hens.) Husband is a carpenter and a very good one, and put the coop together for me, and then put it under the eaves, (4' overhang on his woodshop). we have big wind where we live and this keeps the girls out of big drafts. they have a nice run, will need to be bigger at some point I think, 6' x 6' square with a very sturdy lid. it is a bit low, because it is made from a 4' high dog kennel. that will need to be remedied. Cleaning the coop is pretty easy, 3 doors, but I am not sure about the nest boxes, they are right off the place where they roost. I put plastic tubs in the nest box spaces to make it more of a "space", but one just gets pooped in, I am sure one of them is roosting on the edge of it. will need to add another roost? I see the girl's outgrowing their coop, 78" long, 30" wide and about 4' high. This is my first attempt at raising chickens, and so far they are happy and healthy. They are about 12 weeks. Buff Orpingtons.
they do get to free range a bit, we live on an acre, but it is in a subdivision, so we are somewhat limited and we have a very sneaky gray hawk that lives in the neighborhood. I am sure if I am super nice and find some cheap or free material I can talk hubby into building the girl's a bigger coop.
I just love this sight, I have learned a lot!!!
they do get to free range a bit, we live on an acre, but it is in a subdivision, so we are somewhat limited and we have a very sneaky gray hawk that lives in the neighborhood. I am sure if I am super nice and find some cheap or free material I can talk hubby into building the girl's a bigger coop.
I just love this sight, I have learned a lot!!!