First coop build

[David61]

If they are not raised together they need to be separated for sometime to workout a pecking order or you might be putting some in a pot.

 

[Machseven]

If they are not raised together they need to be separated for sometime to workout a pecking order or you might be putting some in a pot.

I'll have to take some chances regarding that.

 

[Machseven]

Linoleum liner added to the sides and floor of the coop. I also put some in the nesting box.

Added upper part of this wall. It's open between the roof and top of the wall a few inches.

 

[BleuSaphir]

Loving the progress!

 

[Machseven]

Roosting bars and nesting box dividers added.

Ramp

 

[rosemarythyme]

Ramp

Looks a bit steep, you might need to plan out how to reduce the angle on that (like using a landing halfway down and then turning it 90) if the birds won't use it.

 

[aart]

Roost height vs floor space might be an issue too.
Not much room to maneuver.

 

[Machseven]

Roost height vs floor space might be an issue too.
Not much room to maneuver.

not sure what you mean. what are you suggesting?

 

[aart]

not sure what you mean. what are you suggesting?

That maybe they will have a hard time getting up and down due to space restrictions.
Guessing that roosts are about 24" high, they'll probably need wing spread to navigate.
Might be fine, might not.

 

[Machseven]

Summary:
- Picked up chickens (six) on Monday before Christmas.
- Finished hardware cloth, took me about four days and several hundred staples and lots of digging
- added a little ramp in the coop and redid the main ramp
- Added some 2x4's to the nesting box outside to cover some of the plywood seams. We've had some chilly nights.

I've got some funny stories about the chickens, that I'll share a bit later.

Some observations:
- the steep ramp isn't a problem for the ladies.
- After a few days, the roosting bars inside the coop are used by 5 of 6 residents. One sleeps in the nesting box.
- That same one (who we have named Rapunzel for her beauty and isolation) has stayed in the coop since the first night. Not sure why, she's not injured. She strolls around the coop and will eat out of your hand. In the picture with five chickens, Rapunzel is in the foreground of the five chickens in the corner, with the black and gold coloring. That was the first day.