Our family took the plunge 3 weeks ago and purchased 8 chicks. I spent the first 2 weeks researching coop designs, feeding aparatus and watering methods. Today, I finally finished the building of the A-Frame coop/run. We live in Florida north of Tampa and do not have to worry as much about the extreme cold of the north and therefore opted for a more open air style with windblock of a Northwest - Northeast wind. Design settled on a foundation of cinder blocks to outline the base of the A-Frame. Under the block (6' X 15' footprint) and lining the floor is chicken wire. Then laid 3284# crushed rock from a local quarry ($24.78 tax included) to bring the floor level to the top of the cinder block. A-Frame rests on top of the block. The North face is solid plywood with a clean out door and 2 small doors to access the next boxes (milk crates). We used corrugated polycarb roofing panels (same material used in motorcycle windshields) that are smoke for East/West wind and rain protection. 10' of the 15' length is under roofing. The rest is covered in 1/2" X 1/2" hardware cloth. The South facing door is also in Hardware cloth. Hanging dead center using a pulley, we made a feeder out of a 7.5 Gallon bucket with an 18" Potting Base bolted on to a drilled bucket. For watering, we are using a 5 gallon bucket with gravity feed to 4 FarmTek Supply 360 Flow Nipples along the eastern wall/roof.
I have never built anything with my own hands before. It was a fun project for spring break with both of my daughters, 10 & 7.
Tonight is the first night with the peeps (brownie, sweetie pie, buckarina, cannonball, fireball, angel & kailey) in their new home.
I have never built anything with my own hands before. It was a fun project for spring break with both of my daughters, 10 & 7.
Tonight is the first night with the peeps (brownie, sweetie pie, buckarina, cannonball, fireball, angel & kailey) in their new home.
