Everyone says its over kill, but i like to do things big so i dont have to add on or rebuild in the

[rp844]

ran my trim around the bottom of the coop also and put a metal drip flange on it.

Started installing my hardie board I like this stuff



Started to side this wall before I had my door so I had to stop and get my door, Not sure but I installed the pullet shut chicken door backwards so it opens to the inside of the coop I think I look better I'm not sure what the consequences maybe for doing it like this.
you can see I trimmed the edge of the nesting box and installed 2 pieces of siding, this was a test to see if they would stay on (I glued them on instead of nailing) you can also see the run coming off the coop in this picture.

 

[rp844]

I rented a trencher to help prep the trenches for the run.

it broke down with about 12' to go, the only good thing was I didn't have to pay for it cause the starter went out.

I ran the trencher then dug deeper where the posts needed to go with a post hole digger. and hand mixed about 2 bags of 60lbs concrete per post. I later put 8"x16"x2" concrete pavers in the trench to form a predator proof barrier around the entire run.

the bad thing it was stuck right were I need to put a post.

Broken down in the middle of my project they came the next day and picked it up when I was at work they gave me a full refund of my money (was supposed to cost me $156 after taxes ended up costing Zero)

These are the pavers I put in the trenches (picked them up free on CL)

I put these on top of the pavers one I filled the trenches back up with dirt to have something to attach hardware cloth.

 

[rp844]

I plan to have a metal roof over 16' of the run coming off the coop and then having 16' of the run just covered in hardware cloth

here you can see I had to raise the top plate where I will attach the roof trusses so the roof will line up just underneath the roof of the coop.

 

[rp844]

Constructed the rafters and them raised them up, again this was not easy by my self.

another view of the rafters

Rafters with support wood for attaching metal roofing.

Had to attach it to the coop cause is would move around a bit when I was up there working on the roof.

here I have putting in the 6x6's on top of the trench, a predator would have to dig 22"-26" deep and then in and back out to get in this run.

 

[rp844]

This was this current weekends project July 25-26th I started first thing in the morning 6:30 am

added some bracing to the end truss, and started attaching Hardwar cloth, at 2:30 Sat I got word my roof material was in at Menards so off I went to get it. No more picture till the end of day Sunday.

Got home from Menards and put the Red Roof on, then my parents arrived around 6 PM so It was time to clean up and head to dinner.

Parents decided to stay in there RV in our driveway and help me out on Sunday, This was the first time I've had help on this entire project them stayed most of the day and helped me get all the hardware cloth installed



after the cloth was up I made a door quick, Need to add one more hinge to the center.



after they left I still had not attached the Hardware cloth to the center 2x6's out I did that after they headed home,

while I was attaching the cloth to this side my neighbor walked offer and asked what I was going to do with the dirt mounds around the coop, he then offered to smooth them out with his bobcat, so he leveled out 2 sides witch was really nice of him.

 

[rp844]

I really want the chickens in by the weekend so its going to be a busy week after work ever night.

I have to finish the inside of the coop. Run wiring for electric and insulate also I'm putting up planking on the inside walls.

I also have to hardware cloth up the eves of the roofs on both the coop and run.

Ill take pictures and update

thanks for looking at my project so far.

 

[desipalen]

Truly inspiring. Please keep the pics coming.

 

[rp844]

thank you, and I will

 

[motleybeau]

Wow what an amazing coop! Looks like you put a lot of effort and love into it!! I'm sure the chickens will be incredibly happy in their new palace!

 

[bobbi1979]

Wow! My husband is a contractor so I have a good idea of what it took to do this on your own. People might say over kill but I agree with you. Done right the first time and you won't have to deal with it again. I'm also impressed with your reuse of materials and money saved. We are big on recycling, green energy, etc. Not only are you providing a wonderful home for your chickens, you are also helping our planet. Great job!