does building a coop result in spousal arguements?

[attached_mama]

Gah! My husband is a GREAT guy but wow. We bought a good used (not used but intended to be used) coop. We needed to modify it. I've been doing research, sending him pictures, links, design ideas, and he obviously has not listened to or read a single thing.

He's had to tear apart and start over. He doesn't trust me with his tools, or I would be doing it myself.

He doesn't believe that we need more ventilation, wants to keep the bottom of the coop completely open with chicken wire only (we live in cold PA) and tried to make a nest box 8 inches deep, and ON THE GROUND, like the outside ground..UNDER the floor and bedding area.

I really hope this chicken adventure turns out ok, because he is not very happy with me.

 

[paddock36]

I guess I have to consider myself lucky. My DH can't build a thing. I build it all. I have my own power tools to build with. Sometimes he tries to help a little, but we don't argue about it because I'm the builder, but that's ok 'cause he does the laundry

. I hate laundry!

 

[GermanChick]

» does building a coop result in spousal arguements? OH YEAH !!!!!!!
My DH is outside building our first coop right now and we already had one argument today (won't be the last). The framed the side with the chicken pop door and put it right at ground level. I told him that I wanted it to be a couple of inches off the ground since there are gonna be pine shavings on the floor and the chicken would kick them out at ground level..... He had a major fit because he had to redo it. He should have just asked me before he put it in the first time

So yes, there are arguments

Better go back outside and see what he is doing

And we haven't even started with ventilation and insulation ..... those will be our next meltdowns ....

 

[kichohana]

of course you argue - you're married!

we argued about everything from using a recycled window, what kind of siding, pop door, nest box, clean-out door - you name it - we disagreed, and we compromised. in the end, it has come together in a lovely little house that my neighbors claim doesn't even look like a chicken coop!

 

[lizzy06019]

I want to start off by saying I consider myself EXTREMELY luck to have such a wonderful husband. HOWEVER, I've learned to be outside with him during the construction of our coop. I had to learn this after many, many other projects around the house. He tends to half-ass things sometimes and I have to be there to gently remind him how it should be done. Considering all the safety measures a chicken coop/run require, I really didn't want to just let him wing it. Especially when it comes to hardware cloth, etc. With something like our chicken coop/run... he knew I had done all the research here on BYC and consulted with me throughout the construction. Sometimes if you want something done a specific way and the person doesn't allow you to use their tools, then you have to stand over them to make sure its getting done the way you want it. I like to call this "assisting". We made the construction of our coop/run a family event ensuring it got built to everyone's liking.

Good luck with the construction of your coop. My husband and I both have a feeling of accomplishment and pride every time we look in our backyard

 

[sattoritx]

My Dh is out in his workshop as I type building a mini pen for our 8 chicks. just for semi-day use since they are still pretty young.
I told him what I wanted and he is building it. =-) He is great that way.

However when it came to the coop sketches I completely goofed them some how (I took HS drafting and design) HE "the carpenter" can't envision my coop even when drawn on graph paper.

It took a 3 hour discussion one night to finally fill him in, on how I wanted it and how it would be most beneficial to our family to have it designed.
You know cause this has been me

just about every night on this board.
Its hilarious when he comes up with an idea to ad to the coop, and it was my idea in the first place just explained different.
he doesn't trust me one bit with his tools either, since I've broken a couple (in my defense they were as old as the dinosaurs)
He has now given me my own (his old) cordless drill and circular saw but he has forbidden me under any circumstances to touch his table saw

so for now I just secretly make faces behind his back

 

[lilblessings5]

Once we started the coop there was no arguing - it was all prior to that.

I wanted to build the coop with a friend by myself and I think that hurt his feelings. So we argued about that and he laughed at me ( like I don't know how to swing a hammer)

Then he was going to build it- but he doesn't have time..then he wanted me to find an old shed we could buy and convert. Then he was going to build it again. Then he wanted my brother to draw up plans and build it for us. Back and forth - it drove me NUTS!!!

Well- we ended up purchasing a brand new shed! It is beautiful...and then he designed the inside and built the inside himself. Once he started building he consulted me on everything to make sure it was what I wanted...but then again - they are my chickens and he takes no interest in them. I have pictures- but haven't figuredo ut how to put them up yet.
but here is the shed
http://www.countrysidebarns.com/index_files/Page837.htm

we modified it a little bit- it is 12X16 w/ only 1 door and also has 4 windows- 2 in the front and one on both end. It was my birthday/anniversary present from him and I couldn't have asked for anything better. (I'm crazy- I know!)

 

[goldeneggtees]

Quote:
Hey Lizzy! Glad to hear I'm not the only one who has to "supervise" things 'round the house.

If you don't and it doesn't matter whose working on a project you desire… (masonry, carpentry, etc.) I always find unless you are there to sorta point out the obvious (to you

) things won't go as you planned. I've learned that lesson the hard way.

HOW HIGH DID YOU PUT THEIR NEW ROOST????? UHHH, that won't work, you may have to lower it a few inches!!!!! Which is usually followed by "why the (beep) weren't you there when I was building it???!!!!

Point taken.

 

[Gypsi]

At least you ladies have husbands. When I had one I still would have ended up building it myself, with the kids as helpers. I bought him a table saw for christmas one year as a hint, he wanted it badly, but ahem, I own my own circular saw, 2 battery drills and a hammer drill. Now I need to get off the board and go use them.

I figured out how to put my chicken page up on here today. If you would like to see my very short construction helpers and the present state of the misadventure single grandma type coop and run, take a look: https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=51708

 

[Tala]

Yep it does.

That's why I built my own coop, with my father in law over for the grunt work!!!!! At least I can yell and cuss at him and then send him home, plus he's had enough fighting with MIL that he really doesn't care if I yell at him. DH gets all pouty if I yell at him, and then I have to put up with his bad mood for a day or two.