After eight weeks in my living room, my chicks are spending their first night outside... I hope I built my coop well enough.
After reading WAY too many posts, and watching a dozen Youtube videos on the subect, I designed a 48" x 64" standing model with a pull-out floor that should protect them and make cleanup easier.
I had far too much scrap wood around my house, so this was all built from reclaimed lumber, solid insulation, and an old window that was behind the garage. I designed it to be modular - building four independent walls and attaching them with 6" carriage bolts. This allowed me to "stage" the coop near my tools, then move it easily when complete.
The side walls are permanently attached to the legs, and the front and rear walls rest on pillars, then get bolted.
After reading so much about ventilation, I left the top open on all four sides and just covered it with 1/2" hardware cloth. I also added a bottom vent along the "left" wall, in the picture above. I'm worried that may create a cross-breeze on this 47 degree night, but I can adjust, assuming all is well in the morning.
The two doors swing up (which may cause a challenge when my kids and wife have to get in there), and are secured to the lower frame with lockable toggle clamps. I haven't secured the pop-hole, yet, so I'm hopeful nothing tries to lift it before morning
I'll custom build a nest box, under the window, but figure I've got a few more months before it's necessary. My next step is to build my run, which I hope to get started tomorrow. I'll update as I go.
Anything I should consider?
After reading WAY too many posts, and watching a dozen Youtube videos on the subect, I designed a 48" x 64" standing model with a pull-out floor that should protect them and make cleanup easier.
I had far too much scrap wood around my house, so this was all built from reclaimed lumber, solid insulation, and an old window that was behind the garage. I designed it to be modular - building four independent walls and attaching them with 6" carriage bolts. This allowed me to "stage" the coop near my tools, then move it easily when complete.
The side walls are permanently attached to the legs, and the front and rear walls rest on pillars, then get bolted.
After reading so much about ventilation, I left the top open on all four sides and just covered it with 1/2" hardware cloth. I also added a bottom vent along the "left" wall, in the picture above. I'm worried that may create a cross-breeze on this 47 degree night, but I can adjust, assuming all is well in the morning.
The two doors swing up (which may cause a challenge when my kids and wife have to get in there), and are secured to the lower frame with lockable toggle clamps. I haven't secured the pop-hole, yet, so I'm hopeful nothing tries to lift it before morning
I'll custom build a nest box, under the window, but figure I've got a few more months before it's necessary. My next step is to build my run, which I hope to get started tomorrow. I'll update as I go.
Anything I should consider?
poor baby chickens rip
