Finally started my coop!

[ginny_e]

I made the front and back walls of my chicken coop yesterday, finally! I'm making it a hobbit hole style coop. The floor is 6'x4'. The side with the three circular holes will be the front, a door and two windows for ventilation. The other piece is the back, with the doorway framed for easy cleaning access.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

 

[Birdinhand]

congrats, the hardest part is usually making the first steps... great start, keep it up and show us updates!

 

[ginny_e]

Thanks!

Question about insulation. We are in Western Mass, so not super extreme temps, but still get a quality New England winter. I was planning on insulating the floor and maybe the roof (not sure how I would do the roof yet since it is curved). I was thinking of using a insulation panel on the floor and saw at home depot that they have some basically 3/4" styrofoam blocks for $8. Or I could shell out $15 for a 1" insulation panel. Or does it matter? I know ventilation is key for the winter especially...

I am not planning on putting electricity in the coop, was maybe going to put a solar light but that wouldn't be a heat source. And I know I'll have to change the water out since it would freeze.

Any thoughts on cheap roofing materials?

 

[jthornton]

Chickens need draft free ventilation in the winter not heat or insulation. Plan on using rubber water bowls and changing them twice a day during the winter if your not going to have electricity.

JT

 

[aart]

Will this be raised off the ground?
What will the roofing material be?

 

[ginny_e]

It'll be off the ground by 1.5-2". The roof will be plywood but I am still figuring out what to cover that with. I'd like to do some sort of recycled materials, am definitely open to suggestions!

 

[aart]

What is your general geographical location?
It's good to add it to your profile, then it's always there!

 

[ginny_e]

Thanks for the tip! W. Mass, so needs to get through New England weather!

 

[jthornton]

It'll be off the ground by 1.5-2".

That will be a great place for rats, mice and snakes to live under the coop... raised coops should be at least 18" for easy access or on the ground.

JT