First self built coop!

[KingD]

Heck, I'm having a hard time even getting my girls to move in there! They are accustomed to roosting on my back stairs and are reluctant to leave. I've carried them to the coop 4 nights in a row now, but they are like NOPE! I've never had ones so stubborn. Lol

Get them in there when it's still light outside so they can see where they're going.

 

[Melly-Mae]

Great work overall! It's tough to design and build a structure as complex as a chicken coop.

Here are a couple thoughts:

The flat roofs over the coop and nesting box give me some heartburn. It looks like you are in Oklahoma, which probably limits your exposure to frequent/significant snow and rainfall events. However, even an intermittent storm could cause some trouble. Sloping roofs are important for two primary reasons: 1) Controlled movement of liquid water off of the surface and away from the structure; and 2) Controlled movement snow off of the surface to prevent structural damage or collapse. You may not run into any issues immediately (or ever) but a sloping roof line over the coop and nesting box should be future considerations.

Decide whether you're Team 2x2, Team 2x4, or Team Natural for the roost. There are all sorts of opinions on the best roost shape. My review of the research led me to Team 2x2. It looks like you are using a 2x4, which, if your flock doesn't have issues with it, may be just fine.

Replace the chicken wire with hardware cloth. Chicken wire is meant to keep chickens in, not to keep predators out. There are many predators who can chew or break through chicken wire and attack your flock. The most concerning area I see chicken wire is over the coop windows. I recommend changing that to hardware cloth as soon as possible to prevent any predators from entering the coop.

Finally, do you have latches on the smaller chicken door and nesting box? Some resourceful critters, such as raccoons, are fully capable of opening doors, lids, and even simple locks (e.g. hook and loop). You'll want to secure these entry points to prevent predation.

There is a 1' difference slope from the front to the back of the coop roof. Is that not enough? It's 4' from front to back. Will definitely take your advice on the windows. We have tons of coons and opossums in my surrounding woods. Not to mention the yotes and bobcats. I do not have latches on them yet, but they are on my list of 'MUST HAVES". As far as the 2x4s for roosting, that's what they have been using on my back stairs and are accustomed to. I may buy some different boards (sizes you suggested) to see if they will prefer the coop and start using it. Lol Thank you!!

 

[Melly-Mae]

Sounds like they don’t appreciate all your hard work!

For real! The boogers!

 

[Melly-Mae]

Get them in there when it's still light outside so they can see where they're going.

It's been light some days and sundown some. I'll stick to daylight from now on. Thank you

 

[Sally PB]

When I have moved birds into the coop, I shut them in there for several days to a week. Then they get the idea that's home.

You did a great job! It looks nice. What color are you going to paint it?

 

[KingD]

It's been light some days and sundown some. I'll stick to daylight from now on. Thank you

They're just not used to such luxury.

 

[Melly-Mae]

When I have moved birds into the coop, I shut them in there for several days to a week. Then they get the idea that's home.

You did a great job! It looks nice. What color are you going to paint it?

I've heard that from someone else to! Just full in, MAKE it home. Great idea! I'm planning on painting it a dark blue grey with white trim. Well... once I get the trim and put it on. lol thank you for the compliment!

 

[Sally PB]

I'm planning on painting it a dark blue grey with white trim. Well... once I get the trim and put it on

Oh that will look sharp! We will need another picture...

 

[Melly-Mae]

Oh that will look sharp! We will need another picture...

You got it! Now if it will just quit raining long enough to dry back out so I can finish it! Lol

 

[mrtoren]

There is a 1' difference slope from the front to the back of the coop roof. Is that not enough? It's 4' from front to back. Will definitely take your advice on the windows. We have tons of coons and opossums in my surrounding woods. Not to mention the yotes and bobcats. I do not have latches on them yet, but they are on my list of 'MUST HAVES". As far as the 2x4s for roosting, that's what they have been using on my back stairs and are accustomed to. I may buy some different boards (sizes you suggested) to see if they will prefer the coop and start using it. Lol Thank you!!

Must be the angle of the photos. A decline of one foot over four feet is the equivalent of 3" over every 12". A 3:12 slope is usually the minimum recommended slope. If it is a 3:12, it is probably sufficient.