Coop location. Venting.

[aggiemae]

I agree with who ever said that your septic needs checking and probably /pumping or treating of it stinks but it won't bother the chickens. The old walmonized lumber is safe. I would wash off any of the dust with 10% bleach water and you can always paint or poly it if you are worried.


You need to vent on square foot per chicken. I know it seems like a lot but it isn't. It's easier to block off some of the vents on extremely cold days that it is to add venting later. Also four square feet of floor space is really the minimal humane amount of space per bird.

I paint as I build as I find it not only looks neater finished but also lasts longer.

As for predators. We have the usual possums and raccoons plus coyotes, cougars and there is a rumored fox sighting so took extra time with the coop.

Flying pr editors are a whole other issue, especially for smaller breeds and chicks.

We have falcons and owls here and more urgent we have two hawks nesting in a cedar at the back of our property right now that are busy raiding wild bird nests but even though we have a Komondor (a 100 pound flock guardian dog) I think we might have a problem with them later. These animals hunt to live and killing then is not a solution because there are plenty more where the ones you have came from.

Good luck with your coop I look forward to seeing you progress.

 

[Doctor Gonzo]

The concrete lid is broken, and the rednecks who lived here before us just threw a chunk of plywood on it. Which doesn't work at all. Septic tank is fine. xD

 

[hdowden]

Oooooooooooooooo a mille fluer d'uccle hen shes pretty

 

[Joe.G]

You can get replacment lids prob aren't to much and this way you don't have to worry about an overload of ground water and any one falling in.

 

[Doctor Gonzo]

The tank relief is about 12 inches above ground level. On a slight downhill grade from the back of the house. Honestly, I think it's fine, just needs a replacement lid. Which I will do AFTER the coop is finished. xD

I have a plywood board that is marine grade......with a coat of enamel on both sides should be perfect, huh?

thanks

 

[Doctor Gonzo]

Very nice. Thanks!

 

[Tiki108]

Quote:
Oooooo!!! I love Kelpies, I really want one, but I don't have the time or room for another dog, but someday someday.

 

[Nicole01]

Quote: Oooooooooooooooo a mille fluer d'uccle hen shes pretty

Thank you! She is the funniest hen ever. My d'uccle throws temper tantrums. She will stamp her feet and screech out if she looks up and sees her 2 favorite flockmates gone or if it rains on her. I absolutely adore her. If you touch her back or feet feathers, she does the same thing! I hope I can get it on video someday.

 

[Doctor Gonzo]

Coop build IS coming along, more pictures tonight. I plan on moving the birds in tmarra night or Tuesday morning.

Roof is done, several dozen small holes to patch. Then on to the East wall. Installing doors and windows, and the man door.
I'm not going to install a chicken sized door.

On Kelpies, I love mine, she's the best dog ever.

Thanks

 

[Nicole01]

I'm looking forward to seeing the progress.

I'm glad to hear its coming along well. After we built our coop, we made several revisions/upgrades. I still have 1-2 things left I want put in there, but I think my husbands had enough.

If I knew how to work his table saw, I'd be able to do it myself since I know how to use the drill. He's afraid I'm going to cut my hand or fingers off, so I never got my drill lessons.