Coop design... I finally decided!

[LynneP]

Check at Kent in Sackville too, their sheds are on sale and there might be something similar for far less...nice idea. Will you build the run in front or on another side? Also compare prices at Home Hardware, I remember a design like that in their catalogue. You probably pass by Payzant's on your way home, might be some on display.

Very wet on the hill too and expecting thunder...hens are roosting with a full crop so should be fine.

 

[Hillsvale]

I have peeked at the prefab sheds but they are crazy expensive..... I am going to build the shed from scratch (no plans), that's just what I intend on it looking like!

Hefler Lumber has some great prices on the bits and pieces I need. It gives me an excuse to use all my tools and amazed the Mr.. have to keep him on his toes.

I try and avoid going through Sackville on my way home... adds way too much time to my commute!

:

We were actually very close to you today getting yet another bunch of fence posts.... I keep scouring the country side to see what others have for chicken coops and am shocked by the lack of them... who wouldn't want the nice fresh eggs!

The coop will be located inside their run at the back corner .... at the moment it will be about 40' x 60' until we can clear some more room for them (most of my land is treed), this way they can wander around safely while we are at work... its as close to free range as I can manage during the week and on the weekend they can come out to the main area when the dogs are indoors and have the run of the rest of the yard . The door and front window will face south and windows in the picture will actually be located on the other side to take advantage of the eastern sun. I will get some fishing net from a client to cover over the run so we don't need to worry about them becoming snacks to things such as the 2 bald eagles circling around on Wednesday (oh they are pretty).

 

[LynneP]

A lot of the coops out here are in other buildings, mostly barns- you'd be surprised at how much poultry is housed in the district, and the 4-H'ers are amazing. About the netting over the run- since you are building from scratch (a great idea by the way), I'd suggest roofing the run. You have protected pine martens over there, coyotes, wood rats, coons, bears, bobcat, skunk...and more just like us. And be sure to use 1/2" gauge hardware cloth to keep weasels out and to keep raccoon paws away from the birds...without that you will lose birds. Most of the free-rangers are not free-rangers any more!

 

[teach1rusl]

Our coop has a "chicken porch", and my chickens LOVE it!! Their pop door opens onto it. When something startles them, when the weather is not so great, and as dusk starts rolling in, they hang out on their chicken porch. For the winter months, I've closed up the sides with a clear vinyl "fabric" to serve as a wind/weather break. Have fun building your coop!!!

 

[Hillsvale]

Oh we have lots of wild critters to be sure! To roof the whole run would be pretty expensive but I could certainly do a fair portion so the birds were able to go out when the snow flies...

Bob's birds free range as does most of his critters and he hasn't commented on loosing things mind you he is open fields and I am wooded (easier for things to sneak up).

I have contemplated putting in a skinny foundation in the ground to stop digging... failing that I may sink wire in the ground.

 

[Hillsvale]

yah... tomorrow I go pick up some vinyl slider windows that are nice and big... 5 of them for 60.00!

And so it begins......

 

[Hillsvale]

well got the wood for the floor today.... I didn't intend too honest

I went to pick up several vinyl slider windows today one is 5'x3.5' and two are 37" x24", sunlight will not be an issue! all for 40.00

The couple have 4 more at 37" x 39" for 40 dollars and a steel entry door with a half venting window and frame for 20. The old gent told e I would really need them so I wil go back next weekend ... I am such a pushover.... I guess I will start planning the extension soon.

 

[Hillsvale]

So I have ordered the wood to be picked up Saturday and am going to see the peeps who have the rest of the windows (future extension) and the door... I haven;t actually asked before about the size of the chicken door (Pop?) I plan on having everyone (chickens and misc poultry) share homes though I will build a turkey and meat chick tractor, so How big to make the door...? Obviously the turkey won't be hanging with the other peeps at least gainng entry via the pop door)

Help?

Yes I do realise there is the potential of cross contamination but have researched it extensively and feel OK with my thoughts..

Thanks and love the newest coop finish projects, all kinds of new ideas....

 

[LynneP]

Bob was interviewed by a local reported about a bobcat attack on his piglets- turns out the bobcat was killed by the sow. Just be aware that in the woods around you and particularly off towards the river and Blueberry Lake every Nova Scotian predator lives. Saw some ads on Kajiji for sheds made locally- very reasonable if you want more than one coop or at some time if you need one quickly, the builder delivers.

 

[Hillsvale]

wow... the size of his sows I have no doubt that it would be killed... those ladies are easily 6' in length and round! lol

I must google CBC and see if I can find it, news is over by the time we get home.

I am not concerned about my chickens as I have a plan to make sure everyone is protected over night there but....

Simon keeps telling me that the lambs and wieners will be fine in leantoos, this may convince him otherwise! Even a cheapy shed for the initial stages would be fine while they are babies to protect them....

Blueberry lake??