So, for some reason my computer freezes up everytime I try to add a photo to this thread, so instead I have attached a link to a Facebook Album with all the coop pictures for now until I figure out why my computer wont allow me to do it like eveyone else 
Even if you dont have facebook, this link will allow you to view the photos. There is a description on each of the photos, just click to enlarge and view the description.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150784544255286.389153.626985285&type=1&l=065a7e07f7
I should warn you all, my husband and are not just new to chickens. We are also new to carpentry, LOL We started out with grand plans, but had to make some adjustments as we went along to match our skill level. I had to pass on a few key plans in order to"simplify" things for my poor husband. He is a **** good electrician, but not an accomplished builder, so we did our best. So our coop isnt pretty, but I actually really like it. We used all leftover wood and other materials for the most part.
But because we were lacking skill, we had to pass on the Window I so desperatly wanted. We didnt want to put one in poorly, and risk them freezing to death in the winter. In the warmer months we will prop open both doors during the day for air circulation, etc. However we are already talking about building a second coop, one more suited to winter with windows and insulation and all around a better job. Im not sure if its necessary, but we will see.
I had originally just wanted to winterise this one, but a new coop may work better......havent decided yet.
As far as nest boxes go, we have a small two box shelving system that will slip right into the coop when the hens are laying age. But for now I didnt want them getting in the habit of sleeping in them, so I left them out. Easier than blocking them off.
For ventilation, we had my Father in Law make up a customer vent to install on the front of the coop, near the peak of the roof. It will keep the elements out, but let the coop vent. I just havent gotten into the city to grab it from him, so we will install that later on. Also, we drilled some small wholes around the upper edges of the coop, and then we also have two large sauphets (not sureif thats how you spell it) where the roof meets the walls on the sides, which you cant see in the pictures. i didnt want to go too overboard with the ventilation concept, as we get really high winds here, and I worried about drafts getting into the coop, so I kept al ventilation well covered from the elements. I have a thermometer in the coop, and I plan to monitor the temp in there and see if it needs more vents.
Even if you dont have facebook, this link will allow you to view the photos. There is a description on each of the photos, just click to enlarge and view the description.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150784544255286.389153.626985285&type=1&l=065a7e07f7
I should warn you all, my husband and are not just new to chickens. We are also new to carpentry, LOL We started out with grand plans, but had to make some adjustments as we went along to match our skill level. I had to pass on a few key plans in order to"simplify" things for my poor husband. He is a **** good electrician, but not an accomplished builder, so we did our best. So our coop isnt pretty, but I actually really like it. We used all leftover wood and other materials for the most part.
But because we were lacking skill, we had to pass on the Window I so desperatly wanted. We didnt want to put one in poorly, and risk them freezing to death in the winter. In the warmer months we will prop open both doors during the day for air circulation, etc. However we are already talking about building a second coop, one more suited to winter with windows and insulation and all around a better job. Im not sure if its necessary, but we will see.
I had originally just wanted to winterise this one, but a new coop may work better......havent decided yet.
As far as nest boxes go, we have a small two box shelving system that will slip right into the coop when the hens are laying age. But for now I didnt want them getting in the habit of sleeping in them, so I left them out. Easier than blocking them off.
For ventilation, we had my Father in Law make up a customer vent to install on the front of the coop, near the peak of the roof. It will keep the elements out, but let the coop vent. I just havent gotten into the city to grab it from him, so we will install that later on. Also, we drilled some small wholes around the upper edges of the coop, and then we also have two large sauphets (not sureif thats how you spell it) where the roof meets the walls on the sides, which you cant see in the pictures. i didnt want to go too overboard with the ventilation concept, as we get really high winds here, and I worried about drafts getting into the coop, so I kept al ventilation well covered from the elements. I have a thermometer in the coop, and I plan to monitor the temp in there and see if it needs more vents.
