coop design questions from a newbie

[Desirai]

Hahaha!! I'm sure if I can salvage/borrow materials and tools it will save a bunch of money!!

 

[autumnprairie]

You may find that you want more chickens after you get them, they are addicting and steal your heart.
I am also new to chickens. I tried using an existing coop that was my Mother-in - laws, my chickens wouldn't go in it. so I moved them across the yard to where we have another building that is old that wouldn't work long term like we thought, so today I cleaned out my storage shed that is 8x16 the ones from Dersken that you see around the south. I am using chainlink wire for there run which I have quite a few dog pens (used to breed shar-pei).
I will let you know how this goes but so far I love it. I have 4 nests that are lower than their roost will be (they are using my ladder for tonight)
The reason I chose this building for my chickens is it is big enough for all of them and I can walk in and have room to clean, their run will have chicken wire over the top
to keep out owls and other animals that climb. I don't worry about coyotes since my dogs run loose my lgd are one of my shar-pei and a great pyrenees.

Good Luck with your coop and welcome BYC
Dawn

 

[Desirai]

Thanks for your responses,

I have another question. I'm asking around for places that sell lumber, and 3 people have referred me to a place called "Red Barn" where you can basically buy everything you need to build barns, henhouses, fences, etc.

They sell lumber such as: red maple, cedar, pine, oak, dogwood, ash.

What flavor lumber would be best for a chicken coop in the elements? It's cheaper than treated lumber at lowe's

I'm also poking around craigslist to find myself some free or cheap lumber and tools.

 

[autumnprairie]

Quote:
I found an article that may answer some of your questions on wood.

http://www.thegardencoop.com/blog/2009/02/06/which-wood-is-best-for-a-chicken-coop/