Finished my coop and run. Want to see?

[Ms. Cluckingly]

So, I'm second thinking my coop now.

I paid almost $300 for it, but it seems REALLY cheaply made and I can't send it back, because by the time I pay shipping (which I would have to pay because it says so in the fine print AND it is from Canada..) and restocking fees, it would be the same as I already paid. There are so many issues with it I can see that I need to address, that it makes me feel defeated to even think about it.

It is really soft wood, and seems just... flimsy. But it is all we have right now, and the best I could do. I really thought I was getting a good hen house.

My husband is deployed too, so he can't help me either. Ughh... anyway... Here they are! I built the run over the past few days by much trial and error. But please understand I am NOT a carpenter by any means and NOT handy at all. So, this was literally the best I could do. My coop has one nesting box, which they did not send a partition for.. so I have to get a piece of plywood or something to part way block it off. It has two roosting poles that are square, so my pullet and babies are sleeping on the wood shavings right now. They are bantams, so based on the size, how many more would you think I've got room for? Standard size, I mean. Is my run too small for standard sized chickens?? My coop is 50inches high by 46 inches wide by 26 1/2 inches deep.

 

[M To The Maxx]

Impressive.

 

[wildorchid053]

it looks cute.. good job... mine all nest in one big communal box.. they all lay side by side.. they all coo and help each other along.. so forget the dividers

 

[lalaland]

your run construction looks fine to me!

couple of thoughts:
- the nest partition: why not try a "community" nest - don't bother with the partition and see how the hens do with it -
- the run - definitely not predator proof. I see you have a fence in the background, not sure if critters can get into your yard or not. If so, coons and dogs can rip through that chicken wire in a heartbeat, and dig under as well.
- colorado...I'm thinking snow there. Your coop looks pretty small for more than a few banties - because in the winter, they will spend more time indoors.
- square posts for roosts - not sure how big your roosts are, but if they are flat enough for the chickens to put their feet on them and not curl under, they are fine. Might need to round off the edge just a bit, you can do it by hand with sandpaper.

It is a very sweet coop!

 

[Judy]

It's about 8 sq ft which is big enough for 2 full size chickens. Rule of thumb is a minimum of 4 sq ft per bird in coop and 10 sq ft per bird in run. This seems small to me and I have a lot more space. Since they will likely stay in the coop all day on cold days or with snow on the ground, you don't want them any more crowded than that.

 

[TcherDawn]

Mine all nest in one small box too. Even when I tried to provide divided ones for them. Try the big nesting box out. They may like it. Can always change things later. And it is an adorable little coop! You did a great job. And to do it all by yourself, you should be proud!!! That shows a lot of gumption, which I am sure Army wives of deployed soldiers have in large supply. I hope you and your children enjoy your chickens as much as we love ours! Take care.
Dawn

 

[Judy]

Agree with lalaland on the community nest box. The roost, however, should be flat, not round. For full size birds the wide side of a 2x4 is minimum width. They need to be able to cover their feet to sleep to prevent frostbite. Also, unlike many birds, chickens don't do well gripping a round roost, they prefer to have their feet flat.

 

[Ms. Cluckingly]

Quote:
Thanks for the advice. I think I'll try the "community" nest. Oh yeah, I KNOW my run isn't predator proof at all right now, but I'm hoping it will last until October until I can buy the run that actually GOES with this coop, from the same company. So, if I keep my three banties, that should be ok for my small coop?

 

[Ms. Cluckingly]

Oh yes, my roost poles are flat, and rounded off on the edges.

 

[BantyRooster]

First I think the run looks really nice. Great job!

Sorry to hear you're unsatisfied with the coop. It looks good in the picture and in your yard, for what it's worth.

It may help to use some wood glue at the joints to shore it up some. You would be suprized how much stronger glue makes wood joints and frames.

The run looks like it's about 4ftX16ft. Am I close? I would think you could have a few standard size bird in there. I'd be hesitant to add more than three, as you would need more coop space when the weather gets nasty.

If you wanted more D'uccles, you'd be OK with six or seven in that space.

Be careful leaving your birds unattended with just the chickenwire as it offers zero protection from anything determined to get thru it.

Again, good job.

Also salute to you and your husband.

Mike