Coop repairs and new run

[JMotuzick]

Over the last few days Even as much as 2 weeks I’ve been chasing a pair of hens in molt out of the nest boxes at night. I made a cover for them so they get to the poles, I put it on about a hour before sunset and take it back off about a hour after. They Seam to be getting better but still hang in the nests. Last night I forgot to take it back off. I came home from work early and found it! I pulled it off just in time! 2 hens made there way to the boxes at lunch time!

Being home early I decided to lower the boxes. This is what I came up with:
Before picture in post 27 this thread.

I kept moving things! I pulled apart the lower isolation pen. At 24” tall it was a pain to maintain. Hopping my next idea will be better, I’m basically making a closet in the coop. It’s 30” deep 48” wide and the full 8’ tall. I’ll leave the floor empty, make a nest at 24 +\- a roost above that. It will be for broody’s injuries etc. wondering if I should use HC or 2x4 welded wire? I was thinking the welded so new hatches can run through. Thoughts? I have both and was given a-roll of chicken wire too. Mind you this is in the coop so I’m not worried about predators.

Closet will go here:

 

[JMotuzick]

Took a brake from lifes other projects and spent most of today doing chicken chores! After the daily lockup food water eggs etc. I did a few things....

Yesterday’s article in my email reminded me we needed more nest boxes.

I spent about a hour in the shop near the wood stove and came up with these 3 15x15x15 boxes.

After the boxes, I made a door for that “closet” isolation both. With latches to keep it both closed and open.

The pictures loaded out of order but here is the boxes installed. Before I could finish the door, we had eggs in the new boxes. Sorry for the messy trays, I cleaned after the pictures!

After adding the last of the hay we had for the nest boxes I called a neighbor looking for more...

While I was waiting for his ok to get some, I cleaned up the top of the netting as we had a storm this week and a big branch had fallen.

My DW and I took a ride around the corner and helped with evening chores... we left eggs and came home with hay, gota love the barter system!

The neighbors enjoying dinner!