Coop rethink

[redinator]

Chips don't need to be aged that long - I age them for a long time but that's because I don't have much other use for them so a pile will sit for years. If you can only age for a month then I'd skim off surface chips (since those will be most aired out) for use.

You'd need to clarify what cedar, specifically. Not all cedars are the same. I use cedar chips (Western red cedar) without issue as we have a lot of cedar in the area.

If I make my own it'd be a mix of oak and pine since that's what we have around.

I asked about the cedar chips because it was the first thing that popped up when I did a search for "aged wood chips" and I was making sure I was remembering what I read correctly.

Good to know they don't need to age that long . . .I'd be concerned about termites if that were the case . . . on the other hand they might make a good protein snack for the chickens, lol.

 

[StinkyAcres]

Chips don't need to be aged that long - I age them for a long time but that's because I don't have much other use for them so a pile will sit for years. If you can only age for a month then I'd skim off surface chips (since those will be most aired out) for use.

You'd need to clarify what cedar, specifically. Not all cedars are the same. I use cedar chips (Western red cedar) without issue as we have a lot of cedar in the area.

I've always read to age chips 6-12 months. How do you know when they are aged enough?

 

[rosemarythyme]

I've always read to age chips 6-12 months. How do you know when they are aged enough?

Aspergillus is the main concern, and that is most likely in the first month. Depending on the climate and where the chips are stored they may air out faster or slower, so I'd say 1 month is a good benchmark if they're needed sooner.

 

[Mjismom]

We just finished building an open air coop using chicken run plans and modifying them to add a few walls, poop board, roosts, and nest boxes and it’s working great!

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/converting-a-dog-run.1653964/page-2#post-28534297

Also used this video for some inspiration:

 

[redinator]

We just finished building an open air coop using chicken run plans and modifying them to add a few walls, poop board, roosts, and nest boxes and it’s working great!

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/converting-a-dog-run.1653964/page-2#post-28534297

Also used this video for some inspiration:

This is the inspiration I needed. I had exactly the same initial setup w a small coop in the run, but once they could reach the top they quit going in it and would roost on it. Thankfully my dog loves our chickens so they share the yard. Occasionally she'll mock charge them just for kicks but they call her bluff and stand their ground and she goes about her business. Liked and Subscribed

 

[Mjismom]

This is the inspiration I needed. I had exactly the same initial setup w a small coop in the run, but once they could reach the top they quit going in it and would roost on it. Thankfully my dog loves our chickens so they share the yard. Occasionally she'll mock charge them just for kicks but they call her bluff and stand their ground and she goes about her business. Liked and Subscribed

I can’t take credit for the video! It really helped me too! Glad it can help you.

 

[Minnesota Joe]

I'm having my coop built by a carpenter, I can't do it! So I understand My opinion the greenhouse sounds and looks cool. (I looked into one) As others have posted there is a fair amount of renovating needed. Like all projects, one thing leads to another. Cost, labor and materials can get prohibitive. Consider finding a local builder to build a coop.

 

[redinator]

I'm having my coop built by a carpenter, I can't do it! So I understand My opinion the greenhouse sounds and looks cool. (I looked into one) As others have posted there is a fair amount of renovating needed. Like all projects, one thing leads to another. Cost, labor and materials can get prohibitive. Consider finding a local builder to build a coop.

I have friend that's willing I just have to quit changing the plan. lol

When I was thinking of repurposing my old shed the idea of stuffing those poor chickens in an oven kept me from moving forward. Especially since making it tolerable would of meant running electric or having solar panels everywhere to run fans etc. and that would've only been for the bare minimum of comfort

When I realized the run (which was supposed to be temporary) is fairly comfortable, even on hot days with no need for electricity, I started looking for open air options and how to make it work. Now that I know it's the way to go, especially in my climate, I can send him the link and he can figure out the materials and finally get it done.

 

[DoswellGuy]

So I just saw your original post and the comments that followed. At some point, you showed a picture of a metal cage option. I live in VA and set up an 8 X 10 just like that a year ago, and put a Snap Lock by Formex small chicken coop in it. With the tarp cover over the cage, this has worked very well. In the winter, I wrapped the sides with additional tarp for wind/cold protection. My three ladies have had no problems. My only complaint has come when there's extended rain, which causes the west side of the run to get fairly wet. Even then, however, it seems to dry out within the next day. I let them free range in a larger fence enclosed garden area during the day.

 

[redinator]

So I just saw your original post and the comments that followed. At some point, you showed a picture of a metal cage option. I live in VA and set up an 8 X 10 just like that a year ago, and put a Snap Lock by Formex small chicken coop in it. With the tarp cover over the cage, this has worked very well. In the winter, I wrapped the sides with additional tarp for wind/cold protection. My three ladies have had no problems. My only complaint has come when there's extended rain, which causes the west side of the run to get fairly wet. Even then, however, it seems to dry out within the next day. I let them free range in a larger fence enclosed garden area during the day.

Mine had a small coop in it, but they stopped going in it when they were able to land on top of it, so it seemed like it was just taking up space. The biggest issue I have with the run is, it doesn't have wood to attach roost bars or nest boxes too. I'm thinking about using a free standing roost bar like this https://a.co/d/bmFnzlP and digging 4x4 posts in the ground to attach/build nest boxes on.

This is one of those things that I go back and forth on, where I might be overthinking the problem. I'd like to have a solid plan/idea so I can do it once and not have to keep shuffling the chickens around when/if an idea doesn't work out and I have to disassemble everything and start from scratch.

I'm suffering from idea/solution paralysis, lol.

I need to pick a project i.e. raising the height on one side of our fencing to 6ft and just do it, lol. Then move on to the next problem.

The chickens are safe and content as long as they get fed, watered and have time to free range, they could care less when/if it gets done.