Coop unveiling

[David61]

Looks great. Wire behind lattice work because its a weak point. I think chickens lay eggs some times. Where do they do that at in the pictures?

 

[Checota]

Nice coop, should make for some happy birds!

I do have two things I'd be concerned about if it was mine:

1) We have lots of raccoon activity on our similar sized property, I'd be concerned with them being able to reach through that 2x4 (?) fencing. Happened on our old run with 2x2 fencing and wasn't a pretty sight. Consider adding some hardware cloth to the bottom half if it becomes an issue.

2) The gable end of the coop with the lattice looks like it's going to let quite a bit of rain in with that shallow roof overhang. I know you have a non-porous material in the coop, but moisture still going to happen

Suggestion: add higher roost bars (like above the windows) since you have the head space, chickens will likely use those instead of the lower ones

 

[Checota]

There will be plenty of ventilation in gable area as even when we close with winter door it Is nicely vented.
As for raccoon. All chickens will be put into henhouse before dusk and locked in till opened after sunrise, free ranged in electric net during day. There is also two lights solar one is small in the hen house at peak, other is outside with motion detector which turns on light. Very bright. That is what I am doing. Sure others have their own plans. Not a newbie on chicken farming, more a newbie on these boards and on backyard farming. It is a lot different. And much more passionate bunch when it comes to their livestock and extended family. Getting to know these chickens as pets.....things take on a new light. I plan to raise for eggs and for meat. Of course the girls are egg layers and will live out their lives in comfort. I do plan to breed for meat also. This house is for the egg layers and bantam pets. Next year a tractor for Buckeye Roos for meat. Wish to know where my food is coming from. Love the advice here, and I have taken all I to advisement. Any comments on the mix I currently have? More of a newbie when it comes to mixed flock, from my research these breeds are docile and less likely to bully one another. All have been together since day one. At 8 weeks old there seems to be little pecking order going on. All integrated well and growth has been consistent between bantams and dual purpose birds. Biggest of course are the light brahmas but they are very docile.

 

[Checota]

There will be three nest boxes placed in when they are a little older, that is why perches are removable. At 8 weeks old nest boxes will be needed for a few months at least 3 to 4 months. No reason getting them mucked up before they are even needed. There is wire behind the lattice yes.

 

[Checota]

I like to keep the roosts lower, so I can easily grab birds for exams.

Nice setup

 

[Dee Dub]

Wow...that is a beautiful coop/run! Can you share plans?

 

[aart]

I plan to raise for eggs and for meat.

Same here, we are a minority.

 

[Flockincrazy]

Just finished the coop for 11 full sized chicken mostly buckeyes they will also have free range on an acre and a half with electric net fencing. Love your thoughts.

Gorgeous very nice job

 

[Checota]

Having grown up on a working farm as a child and having farm animals as an adult, now retired and living to support myself on the land and food is a big part of it. I love growing my own food. But I also love the animals. So I must separate myself from the food animals and my pets some of which are chickens.
I can’t kill my own chickens, but barter to another for a share of the harvest. Milk goats, eggs and you have a homestead.

I understand both sides the pet and the table folks. Because I am both.

 

[Checota]

Wow...that is a beautiful coop/run! Can you share plans?

Wish I could but there is no plan just figured things out with a basic drawing with dimensions and materials.