Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[Kris5902]

So I started with a very not level dinette

and covered and leveled it with plywood

Then threw some 1/4” ply up over the water damage in the back... because I know they are going to dig in and eat the insulation if given the chance

next, I added some roosts in the bed area, and that’s it for the emergency winter chicken housing solution for now.

Now, I’m headed back out to get soaked in phase two of the relocation project... and yes, I realize how much fun it isn’t going to be cleaning the coop with the Roost arrangement, but done is better than perfect!

 

[ChicoryBlue]

So I started with a very not level dinetteView attachment 2409018and covered and leveled it with plywood View attachment 2409019
Then threw some 1/4” ply up over the water damage in the back... because I know they are going to dig in and eat the insulation if given the chanceView attachment 2409023
next, I added some roosts in the bed area, and that’s it for the emergency winter chicken housing solution for now.View attachment 2409029
Now, I’m headed back out to get soaked in phase two of the relocation project... and yes, I realize how much fun it isn’t going to be cleaning the coop with the Roost arrangement, but done is better than perfect!

The second picture made me think of seeing a coop with a cloth (dusted with pdz?) hanging poop catcher under the roost, where they just push up the cloth and the poop rolls out. I got this crazy idea: if you took a bed sheet, like a large fitted sheet, and put two poles on either long side, like a banner would be held, could you slide it in and spread it wide to cover the left, sunken middle, and the right beds. Throw some pdz or shavings on there? To get the poop, grab the poles on one end and gather them towards the center and then draw it all out. Everything would be in the center "lane" so to speak, easier to scoop. When done, you push them in and spread them out. Remaining shavings /pdz would still be in the center, but a third pole or broom could be used to raise the middle and distribute them again. This must be crazy....lol ....is it? I have been trying to winterize/weatherize my run and am having to figure out stuff all day, maybe I've gone off the deep end and can't stop...

 

[RoyalChick]

Well here we go @BY Bob I’m sorry I may have started this on your thread but... here is my entry for the “ugliest chicken coop” contest! View attachment 2408287View attachment 2408288
first order of business was clearing out the dinette foam, old mattresses, cutlery, and curtains View attachment 2408290View attachment 2408291
Then removing glass mirrors and reinforcing the floor which had spongy spots that threatened to collapse under me. And throwing a secure ing layer of plywood over the dinette as well. It turns out this is a two and a half sheets of plywood and a three day project. Tomorrow I have to install the roosts, tarp the stove and fridge off, figure out how to actually secure the door as day 1’s moving seem to have thrown all the doors out of alignment. I also screwed every door and hatch shut as well, because chickens are clever.

I can just see Sammy with a Rum and coke in a tight t shirt, Dean in an ugly Hawaiian shirt smoking, and Cass with coke bottle Glasses trying to lure my cats away. If you don’t understand the references, I promise the source material really isn’t worth watching! Not all my friends have good taste when it comes to entertainment...

That will be a GREAT chicken coop - so cozy in the winter! Does it have ventilation of some sort?

 

[Kris5902]

That will be a GREAT chicken coop - so cozy in the winter! Does it have ventilation of some sort?

Does a boarded up, busted window pane, a leaky AC unit, and boarded up roof vent fan count as “ventilation”? Lol... actually, considering the age and that it’s been abandoned uncovered and half under trees that are prone to shedding very large branches, it’s in surprisingly good condition. If I need to increase the ventilation, all the other Windows seem to be in working condition... I’ll just open the ones furthest away from the roosting area, but to be honest, from my personal experience these trailers are pretty well
“vented” (aka drafty and cold) all on their own.

I am happy to report that after much squawking, a little bloodshed, and much getting bitten and beaten in the face with wings, everyone is on a new roost and tucked in for the night. Those claws are sharp! Anyone who tries to tell you it’s easy to just pick a chicken off a roost at night is lying, or not having to do so in a 4’ cube with three roosts running across it in the middle! I’m poopy, muddy, wet, and cold... but feel I’ve accomplished a lot. Very glad I covered the stove up because that was where the first batch had mostly settled for the night.

 

[Kris5902]

The second picture made me think of seeing a coop with a cloth (dusted with pdz?) hanging poop catcher under the roost, where they just push up the cloth and the poop rolls out. I got this crazy idea: if you took a bed sheet, like a large fitted sheet, and put two poles on either long side, like a banner would be held, could you slide it in and spread it wide to cover the left, sunken middle, and the right beds. Throw some pdz or shavings on there? To get the poop, grab the poles on one end and gather them towards the center and then draw it all out. Everything would be in the center "lane" so to speak, easier to scoop. When done, you push them in and spread them out. Remaining shavings /pdz would still be in the center, but a third pole or broom could be used to raise the middle and distribute them again. This must be crazy....lol ....is it? I have been trying to winterize/weatherize my run and am having to figure out stuff all day, maybe I've gone off the deep end and can't stop...

I do believe something like that could work, but I worry that it might interfere with them getting up for the night or if anyone gets knocked down... I will have to ponder this further. I was thinking I was just going to do a deep litter bedding for starters. And yes Winter preparations do make you crazy, but we all a little crazy here, so it’s ok... you’re in good company!

 

[BY Bob]

So I started with a very not level dinetteView attachment 2409018and covered and leveled it with plywood View attachment 2409019
Then threw some 1/4” ply up over the water damage in the back... because I know they are going to dig in and eat the insulation if given the chanceView attachment 2409023
next, I added some roosts in the bed area, and that’s it for the emergency winter chicken housing solution for now.View attachment 2409029
Now, I’m headed back out to get soaked in phase two of the relocation project... and yes, I realize how much fun it isn’t going to be cleaning the coop with the Roost arrangement, but done is better than perfect!

Looks great! Can't wait to see chickens in it.

 

[Kris5902]

Looks great! Can't wait to see chickens in it.

By the time I got through getting them all up on the roosts, and not huddled in the corner or atop the stove, it was pitch black out and I was working by flashlight! I’m hoping tomorrow night goes smoother. They filled the first three roosts and a few girls on the back one, so there will be plenty of room as the littles fill out more over winter. I was a little apprehensive about putting little Red up on the roost, but he did settle in for the night. I’m just hoping he takes the jump down in increments tomorrow morning! It’s 1’ to the bunk and 16” or so to the floor from the bunk

 

[BY Bob]

Does a boarded up, busted window pane, a leaky AC unit, and boarded up roof vent fan count as “ventilation”? Lol... actually, considering the age and that it’s been abandoned uncovered and half under trees that are prone to shedding very large branches, it’s in surprisingly good condition. If I need to increase the ventilation, all the other Windows seem to be in working condition... I’ll just open the ones furthest away from the roosting area, but to be honest, from my personal experience these trailers are pretty well
“vented” (aka drafty and cold) all on their own.

I am happy to report that after much squawking, a little bloodshed, and much getting bitten and beaten in the face with wings, everyone is on a new roost and tucked in for the night. Those claws are sharp! Anyone who tries to tell you it’s easy to just pick a chicken off a roost at night is lying, or not having to do so in a 4’ cube with three roosts running across it in the middle! I’m poopy, muddy, wet, and cold... but feel I’ve accomplished a lot. Very glad I covered the stove up because that was where the first batch had mostly settled for the night.

Way to go Kris. You are off and running.

 

[drstratton]

I Have Lost Control

They are like feral animals right now. I could not catch one of them if my life depends on it. Maybe I have just become too cautious. I coaxed Lilly into the big run. I did not think to close the big door. I figured I could just scoop her up.

Nope

That one legged hen was quicker than me. I reached for her and she took off out the big door. I did not want to chase her to make her run on the bad leg so away she went. It can't be that bad as she was using it to get away from the terrible human.

So now I am soaked to the skin for no reason.

I really must have done something to Sydney. I could not get her out into the big run. She is terrified of me. ☹

I'm going to go work on my car tonight. At least it can't run away from me..............Hopefully..............

It's frustrating as humans...we love them and know that we won't do anything to hurt them...but who has any inkling as to what goes on in their minds...so sorry Bob!

 

[BY Bob]

Roosting & Lilly Update

Not that anyone asked but I'm going to tell you anyway.

Same sleeping arrangements tonight. Including Sansa in the nest box.

Lilly is up on the high roost. Of course.

She was walking better today