coop critique (PICTS)

[Winggedheart]

Nice coop and pen, dude.

How much did the dog kennel part cost?

 

[Reg]

Thats some garden you have there !

Nice job mate

Lets hope your dog does not go to sleep on the job

 

[Smittenroade]

That is a spectacular coop Jack lol I could never even dream of building something that nice. The dog kennel only costed 80$, found a great deal at Lowes, I waited until it was on sale. It seems like its made out of cheaper metal than a usual dog kennel, but it is perfect for chickens. It's much easier than building an 80$ fence, fences are annoying.

 

[speckledhen]

I've actually got all that covered already. I dont know if you can notice but the roof doesnt completely meet the top, so there is a gap for ventilation. Theres probably close to too much ventilation to tell you the truth.

That's why I mentioned that I couldn't see up there. Actually, you can't really have too much ventilation if it's up high over their heads like that.​

 

[Newbie in Screamer Al]

Looks real good! I know its mighty task if you never did it before. I am sure you had a blast as I did making my first. Enjoy it.............

 

[chkn]

Shoot, I'm still using the first little coop I built 15 or so years ago. I make enhancements here and there. I was thinking of doing an addition this year.

 

[Dogfish]

The door needs to be sturdier because as it is built it will break down in a few months. The screws will work loose and the OSB panel will deteriorate as it has no structural integrity by itself. It needs a frame.

Build a door framework out of 2x4's, and make it 1/2" to 3/4" less on the exterior dimensions than the door opening. If the door opening as measured from the inside is 36" wide by 80" tall, your door framework should measure 35.25"x79.25". Use shims to get your spacing above the floor and below the door opening correct. Attach the door framework to the hinge side of the door opening with screws so it doesn't open. Attach hinges, remove screws holding door shut then check for proper swing. Then attach the siding panel to the door frame.

Below are a few examples of door frames.

They aren't "skinned", but all of my shed doors have the same basic framework.

Looks great for your first building. I can't tell if there is any pitch to the roof at all, and I know Texas gets little rain compared to here, but if it is a flat roof, you would be well served to prop one end up by the height of a 2x4 to give it a little pitch so water runs freely.

 

[Smittenroade]

Thanks for all the helpful input. I didnt even think of a door frame or anything. Im pretty clueless about building.

 

[farmer_lew]

Great job! Any comment I could have made has already been touched on. The only thing I would say is, and no offense to your guard dog, I would cover the run. Predators can be relentless and are opportunistic by nature, so I would err on the side of caution and cover the run.

 

[Smittenroade]

I just bought some hardware cloth, you think that will be good? Its not very sturdy but it should keep most things out.