Hello, I am brand new to this and am curious as to what is the real first step to setting my coop up. I have already purchased a kit and would love to know. I already know that I am going to have to dig out some dirt so that I can lay wire underneath the coop to deter the predators. Will i need to have the ground level after i put in wire that will be about 2 feet down and then reinforced with pig wire. I am just curious as to what the direction you all took in the first steps of getting your coops up and running. Thanks and happy cooping.
Alright great to have you joining the BYC flock Funny I was going to say the first step was to level the ground but you already did that and the wire barred in the ground is top notch so it sounds like it is time to put in the coop then the wire around the coop to enclose the run .... You need to put up some photos when you finish your coop
Welcome to BYC. Glad you decided to join our flock. X2 on gander007; you've already taken the first step to predator proofing your coop/run, so it's time to proceed onward with the coop/run. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have. We are here to help in any way we can. Cheers.
Best to use 1/2" hardware cloth for run etc, instead of flimsy poultry wire. Hardware cloth costs more, lasts much longer, and can't be bitten through or torn like predators can do to chicken wire. Also a cover to your run can prevent hawk attacks, and your birds from flying out. A solid cover will give some protection from the elements and add shade.
It sounds like you've been given the info you asked for with your coop build, I hope it goes together well for you. What breed of chickens do you have (or plan to have)?
I am planning on Austrolopes, Polish, Plymouth Rock, and Americaunas. I am unsure as I work in a home with several people and we are all probably going to end up with one. I need a bigger Coop now. I am starting small with 2 to 3 but do not want to go more then that until I have a good handle on 2. I have the coop built already and am leveling out the dirt trying to figure out how I am going to lay my skirt so that I can keep the nesting box accessible for wheelchairs to come up to it and reach the eggs. ( Come on BYC throw the ideas at me!)
