Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[Scrambles83]

I have 2 comments to make before you build the rest of the coop. (will make a nice coop!)

1) The directions for the door are a bit flawed. As you see, you DO need a header. However, since they measured 36" BEFORE accounting for the extra side studs to support the header, their door opening is actually only 32 3/4 " wide. So, whatever size door you want, be sure to allow for the width of the 2 extra studs (1 each side) in the opening.

2) NEVER screw metal or plastic corrugated roofing on the low part of the curve. Even with roofing screws, it is asking for trouble (leaks) sooner than it should. Use these spacers , and screw through the HIGH point of the corrugation:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Suntuf-...Closure-Strips-6-Pack-92770/100067957#overlay

They go under roofing panel @ roof member, screw through panel, through plastic 'spacer', and into roof support member.

A couple final comments:
1) I don't know where in VA you live, but if in the mountains or somewhere where it gets cold, I would suggest putting either a sheet of plywood (painted/stained) under the metal roofing, or a thin insulation (the silver-colored bubble stuff would be fine. REASONING: In winter, moisture from the chickens will condense on the cold metal roof and 'drip down', in the summer, the metal roof will heat up, creating a hotter than needed coop in the dog days of summer. Either the plywood or thin insulation will help with this.

2) As suggested that you can add windows: I definitely would add 2, one on each side, for cross ventilation and added light.

3) Low ventilation in the back for better air flow...in low (cooler air)...warm moist air rises up and out the top back. (i.e. vents low below the high riser for roof)

4) Consider orienting the high part of the roof the front instead of the back, unless you are going to put gutters on. Otherwise you will be walking through a sheet of rain/water whenever it storms & you need to enter/exit the coop.

Okay, that's my 2 cents, for what ever 2 cents is worth these days.

See, this is why I need prefabs, that post made me anxious and concreted to me that I am not and never will be a builder of anything coopish
Sorry @BY Bob and friends, I know that prefabs aren’t the recommended housing choice

 

[MaryJanet]

And of course, a good shot of Betty
View attachment 2975516
@Ribh @micstrachan @Aussie-Chookmum @ChicoryBlue @LozzyR @MaryJanet

I was notified for this post Bob!

 

[BY Bob]

I don't know Bob, she's a rescue from a caged laying farm. She was doing ever so well but at the end of that feed change she changed, first her poo then this egg problem. It took days for her too pass it

At least the shell wasn't too thin

You can see unusual eggs like this when the laying process first starts back up. It is very good that it is not thin shelled. How long ago was the feed change? I'm thinking that might be coincidental but may lead us to the real answer.

 

[BY Bob]

Happy Fluffy Butt Friday everyone from Diana. She doesn’t normally have a very fluffy butt. She is more of a skinny shanks kinda lady. But after her molt and in the cold she seems to be showing a fair bit of fluff.
They are all eating chick starter (23% protein) made into mash with kefir whey. They all love it but I was particularly happy to see skinny Dotty chowing down with enthusiasm and speed.

View attachment 2975896View attachment 2975897View attachment 2975898

Wonderful pictures. I love your ladies!

 

[BY Bob]

Ribh doesn't know. I've never noticed mine bathing more than anyone else. What I reckon is probably going on is it's been a while & she finally feels comfortable enough to have a really good dust up. Mine often taken a prolonged dust bath after a lot of rain when they haven't had access to nice dry ground.

I agree with your assessment.

 

[BY Bob]

She'll be making snow roo's next

Excellent!

 

[BY Bob]

Princess loves a good old wet muck dip View attachment 2975911

She surely does.

 

[fuentemoon]

It was 27° this morning and very frosty. Thankfully the sun has come out.

If you look close you can see chunks of ice to the left of Rosie

 

[MaryJanet]

Rub a Dub Dub

We have been chatting about when chickens feel most vulnerable, roosting time for example. I also think that dust bath time is another. So imagine my joy when Betty decided to take a bath today. I was watching on the camera when she walked over to it and dug a hole right in front of it. This will be the closest dust bathing video you might ever see. She was still bathing after 1/2 an hour. She must be feeling pretty dirty.

That's a great video! Thank you Betty for having a bath within shot!

 

[MaryJanet]

See, this is why I need prefabs, that post made me anxious and concreted to me that I am not and never will be a builder of anything coopish
Sorry @BY Bob and friends, I know that prefabs aren’t the recommended housing choice

My prefab has been chugging along for five years now. It's needed a little help every now and then but otherwise serves its purpose.

My main complaint is the way they're advertised. Mine is allegedly suitable for six chickens. It can house two, tops.

And if you're thinking of 8-12 hens like I am, most of the prefabs are too small.