Coop/run in the works

[Saltlifexo95]

Good morning!
I just wanted to come on here to show everyone our coop & run in progress, our chickens are 4 weeks old & also 4 3 week old Cochins that are right behind them. They will be able to go out soon! We have a total of 21 chickens. Any advice or recommendations welcome!




Front of run, this thing came with flimsy wire, so waiting on the hardware cloth to use instead!

On the left of the run we will be adding a 10x10 kennel for more run space. This is a 10x20 for reference.

Once we start adding the siding there will be windows & vents cut for it secured with hardware cloth & closeable windows.

Add a ramp, nesting boxes on both ends with doors to collect eggs from outside. CURTAINS! Plus a big door in the back for cleaning. Removable roosts in the middle!

I’m already thinking of painting too! What have you used? & should we use sand for everyday scooping or do the deep litter method?!

 

[cluckmecoop7]

Looks nice! Please keep us updated!

 

[Lor]

Very nice!
We have sand in the coop and enclosed run for easier cleaning. Long handled poop scoopers are great for scooping up the poop. I also add some sweet pdz.
I have a love/hate relationship with that sand. LOL! It gets on my clothes when I sit or kneel down in there and it's always in my shoes.

 

[Lor]

Long scooper like this...

 

[seminolewind]

The deep litter method did not work for me. There was a ton of shavings to remove all at once, a 4 hour job for me. And I was concerned with bugs and respiratory fungus. IMO.
Your setup looks like it's going to be awesome!!! I'll bet you're having alot of fun creating. Good idea for the pen.

My only thoughts are use alot of hardware cloth and make sure there are no unprotected spots. But it does look like you know what you're doing and your pics are great for others to learn from!!!

 

[Cattle dog Mom]

Are you going to put the doors for the nest boxes on the side rather than the top?

 

[Sally PB]

I built my run out of framing very similar to yours. It was an unused green house that a neighbor was glad to get rid of.

I used 2x3 welded wire and hardware cloth zip tied on for the walls. (Zip ties hold a lot of my run together.) I put chicken wire over the top, and then a heavy duty tarp over that for a roof. The chicken wire supported the tarp and the snow load just fine. I used a push broom to clear off the snow whenever it was a couple inches deep.

My coop is built out of wood, and I painted the inside white to help keep it bright in the low light of winter. I used 3 coats of exterior grade latex. The exterior is brown to go with the house.