Downslope Coop/Run Questions

[aart]

Oh, that's massive slope!
Put everything on a terrace for sure.

 

[Percheron chick]

Reconsider going with a prefab coop. 4 chickens will outgrow it before 20 weeks. Read reviews here on BYC not on their website. If any coop size is listed in inches they don't have a clue and they are trying to make it sound bigger than it is.

 

[EsqChick]

Oh, that's massive slope!
Put everything on a terrace for sure.

Definitely! It’s going to be a job, but I went out and scoped it out today and it’s doable.

 

[EsqChick]

Reconsider going with a prefab coop. 4 chickens will outgrow it before 20 weeks. Read reviews here on BYC not on their website. If any coop size is listed in inches they don't have a clue and they are trying to make it sound bigger than it is.

Yeah, I know....I just don’t have the time right now. I know for sure I’ll have to upgrade within the. Txt year or so. I did get the biggest prefab coop that I think I can fit for now (about 30sqft), but I can see how I’ll want/need more space for the girls later.

 

[aart]

Please do update here with pics once it's up.

 

[AllenK RGV]

You can always level your coop by installing a level base for it with a post hole digger, simple plumb lines and a bit of concrete to serve as a base. Hech it might even serve you best by raising your coop to a better non back breaking level for cleaning and egg collection. You can verify level by using a water level with some simple tubing and a 5 gallon bucket. It definetely doesn't need to be completely level but you have to have things at a comfortable working height for yourself.

None of my roosts are level and the chicken don't care one bit I used tree branches covered in reclaimed pallet 1x4's.

Edit-- Please plan on using "Hardware Cloth" on all outside surfaces vs chicken wire to ensure predators from mice to coyotees to mountain lions are kept out of the chicken enclosure. Or plan B use electric fencing.

 

[kwhites634]

Thanks! Yes, we measured out last weekend and found the flatest spot we have, but it is still slightly graded (my best guess is maybe 2% ish). I know it will work, I just need to figure out how much prep work in need to put in to make it more flat if necessary!

If there's a way you can put the coop up off the ground on legs, I'd suggest it. Then you won't have to worry about any slope; level the coop by cutting the legs different lengths.

 

[squadleader]

Well there's room, and sure the slope is intimidating, but you've got the right attitude, it is doable, but I'm also the guy getting ready to install the world's first fly in pop door, so I'm an optimistic sort!

The rule of thumb is ten square feet per chicken, so 4 birds, and 40 square feet is what you say you've got on the new run/coop combo. Sounds like the birds and coop are bought, so it's time to make it work.

Do we have a picture of the coop you're getting? You're starting with chicks, that's good, they'll be plenty of room at first, since their so small.

They'll have personalities, so you'll get to know them, and I know you'll do right by them.

I think it's great you're getting your feet wet with just 4 birds, it'll be easy to increase their space with some kind of run, with only four birds, a small extra run could make a big difference in their lives.

Yeah, as others have pointed out, again I'm at a disadvantage, not having seen your coop, but a prefab building may already be raised, with some run space under it, a lot of them have that feature.

That's certainly better than being down on the ground, if it is on the ground, maybe you can raise it on post and create run space beneath it, and at the same time, the posts, making some longer, some shorter, can get the coop level. Of course the posts should be in the ground at least a foot or more, so they don't move.

We could offer specific advice if you give us some photos of the coop you're getting.

Truly the saving grace is it's only four birds, everything is scaled down because of that. That's a great number to start with. You're going to learn so much in the next few months.

I like your attitude, in a year, especially if you keep reading this forum, you're going to be an old hand at this, giving great advice to others!

Welcome, let the adventure begin!

 

[AllenK RGV]

After watching the neighbors in Austins fence being rebuilt three years ago I am such a fan of the water level/chainsaw method for leveling things.

After dropping in the fence posts with plumb lines, the next day in 20 minutes the full 1/3rd acre of fence posts were cut and leveled by that method, and before they even finished the prefab fence panels were going up.

 

[HenOnAJuneBug]

May not be feasible because you use it for other things, but the space under the deck would make a great run, or at least part of one. Save you some work too. This winter, first thing in the morning after I let the chickens out is they head to the house to hang out underneath my front deck. It's sheltered from rain and wind and they get heat from the cinder block foundation. It's their inclement weather hangout.

I used tree trunk sections to level a shipping container I have. Put some gravel or rock down before placing them.