Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[bgmathteach]

This one comes with windows, and looks like multi levels already started. I could see expanding those levels later

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Handy-H...pinstock-_-100350323-_-202205311-_-N&#overlay

This looks great!

Note that the video states it doesn't come painted nor with shingles nor floor decking...1 day of assembly plus painting, caulking & shingles. It would probably end up costing a less & she would have more space, bur would have to add vents, nest boxes, pop door and might (?) need to tweak people door so the chooks don't escape when she needs to go in to feed/water before work. (Both need roosts, so didn't mention those) The prefab has the nest boxes & venting and pop & people doors.

If she has the time to do this, it would be larger (a little over twice the size!), and even with shingles, paint & decking, still cheaper...just more time/work.

 

[bgmathteach]

I can see the logic but I am going to be building an open air coop which will have a lot of ventilation and will be including a thermostat controlled exhaust fan for the steamy central Texas summers. I am going with metal primarily because of the availability. I purchased all the metal from my neighbor when he tore down a huge shed. I have covered my runs and duck coop and still have a pile left. I am very big on repurposing everything.

But you probably don't get down to freezing (or below) often? No good for winter cold. With exhaust fan ..especially if you paint roof light color...with open air sides, should be fine. Not so good for colder climes.

 

[bgmathteach]

All building materials have their up and down side. My barn is cement block, darn chilly in the winter but heavenly cool on those steamy hot sultry summer days .

I fully insulated the Hen House room in the barn so the chilly cement wasn't an issue, only the floor which is paving bricks, isn't insulated, I keep that covered in several inches of shavings and straw.

I want to put a ceiling fan in there for the summer but not sure how or what to utilize for that, it's only a 4x10 room so I don't want to have a hurricane in there! Also don't want to have dust etc stirred up, I use box fans for the horses in their stalls but their stalls are rather larger . There are two windows in the hen house....

Any suggestions anyone ?

3 options that I can think of, depending on window size.

1) There are exhaust fans made specifically for barns that can have adjustable settings and can be thermostatically controlled. If one would fit in a window, that is an option.

2) A house ceiling fab might work, they usually have 3 speed settings, and low is quite low. Would you be able to mount it to the ceiling/roof of the chicken room?

3) Again, depending on window size: there are a variety of window fans with 3 settings, low usually isn't too bad, especially if the window is high enough to not blow at 'chicken' level...though on a really hot day they might like that.

Clearly fans (such as box) at floor level wouldn't work due to bedding.Anyone else have Ideas?

 

[featherhead007]

3 options that I can think of, depending on window size.

1) There are exhaust fans made specifically for barns that can have adjustable settings and can be thermostatically controlled. If one would fit in a window, that is an option.

2) A house ceiling fab might work, they usually have 3 speed settings, and low is quite low. Would you be able to mount it to the ceiling/roof of the chicken room?

3) Again, depending on window size: there are a variety of window fans with 3 settings, low usually isn't too bad, especially if the window is high enough to not blow at 'chicken' level...though on a really hot day they might like that.

Clearly fans (such as box) at floor level wouldn't work due to bedding.Anyone else have Ideas?

I will probably have to consult with my chickens, before I can comment. After all, they know best!

 

[RoyalChick]

3 options that I can think of, depending on window size.

1) There are exhaust fans made specifically for barns that can have adjustable settings and can be thermostatically controlled. If one would fit in a window, that is an option.

2) A house ceiling fab might work, they usually have 3 speed settings, and low is quite low. Would you be able to mount it to the ceiling/roof of the chicken room?

3) Again, depending on window size: there are a variety of window fans with 3 settings, low usually isn't too bad, especially if the window is high enough to not blow at 'chicken' level...though on a really hot day they might like that.

Clearly fans (such as box) at floor level wouldn't work due to bedding.Anyone else have Ideas?

I think I would be inclined to skip the whole fan idea and go with lower tech - water the ground, provide frozen veggies as treats, but blocks of ice in the water - that sort of thing.

 

[ChicoryBlue]

Wanted to say, Very sorry for disappearing on everyone, Say Hi, I miss everyone… and let everyone know what’s been happening here. I still have Chickens, and Arduinna… and am working on the house building! I received a beautiful Christmas card last week and have been meaning to log back in. I am sure I have missed so much.

Helllooooo, Kris! Thank you for checking in and saying hello! I'm glad to know you're okay, still have chickens and so glad to hear Arduinna is there too . Plus, now you're working on your house? Yay! Woohoo!

 

[Ponypoor]

But you probably don't get down to freezing (or below) often? No good for winter cold. With exhaust fan ..especially if you paint roof light color...with open air sides, should be fine. Not so good for colder climes.

Some foam insulation and 1/4"OSB fixes all problems cold and hot.

I think a pole shed would be quick easy and cheaper than other options... That was the route I was going to do before I settled on building a room in the main barn (which I now appreciate! As I have power, water, and internet). Might still do a pole shed for daytime outside time....

 

[Ponypoor]

So we have some new introductions… here is Chunk Roostie’s boy, he’s big like his father, and quite Tall. With a very good demeanour. Still has a bit of the cow hocks going on, but he’s a sweetie.View attachment 2985428

And Dean Crowing, you can see the still black tips of his comb from the frostbite…View attachment 2985432Tailless, Goldie (aka mean meat mama!) and the new favourite dust bath spotView attachment 2985441

And this nice little girl shows her grand-dad Chickie Hawk’s cheek puffs!View attachment 2985443

How lovely so pretty! Love all their colours, esp the last gal, just beautiful!

 

[rural mouse]

This looks great!

Note that the video states it doesn't come painted nor with shingles nor floor decking...1 day of assembly plus painting, caulking & shingles. It would probably end up costing a less & she would have more space, bur would have to add vents, nest boxes, pop door and might (?) need to tweak people door so the chooks don't escape when she needs to go in to feed/water before work. (Both need roosts, so didn't mention those) The prefab has the nest boxes & venting and pop & people doors.

If she has the time to do this, it would be larger (a little over twice the size!), and even with shingles, paint & decking, still cheaper...just more time/work.

The door: put the run up on the side the door is on, incorporating the whole of the door. Build the hatch into the door, and a people sized gate into the run (thinking large kennel kind of thing attached to the side the door is in, or that open air tarp roofed thing, making a large run.) Nest boxes could be as simple as cardboard boxes mounted to the shelf, (or crates HUNG below the shelf) to be replaced later with fancier, more durable options as the space speaks. Roosts: 2 inch diameter wooden rods mounted with closet rod brackets attached to every stud for lots of support, again can be replaced/upgraded later.

 

[featherhead007]

I will probably have to consult with my chickens, before I can comment. After all, they know best!

Sorry, I cannot comment. Rocks-Anne looked at me as if to say “ daddy, we already have a nice coop, and I love my perch!”