FREE chicken coop plan (nice one too) on the Purina Mills Website

[audioguy]

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Not sure who you were referring to, but thanks if it was mine.

 

[EweSheep]

Scuffed PVC? You know they create hair fine splinters after a period of time? I know my PVC pipes do after a year of exposure in the elements. Worth a try! Good luck!

Good going!

 

[BooBear]

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oh ok, kinda hidden there.

I am so used to open style coops here due to the very hot summers we have so it pays to have lots of ventilation. I could not get away with a more closed in coop like folks use up in the milder climates. Not sure where you live but overall the coop n run are nice looking.

 

[hondo58]

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I'll keep an eye on it for those splinters. I have PVC that has sat outside for years and still looks like the day it was purchased so I''m not familiar with what you mention. Since this piece is not exposed it may last forever but then again it may not. If I need to replace it with wood I will.

 

[hondo58]

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I see you lowered the nest box and set the door to the side also. Beautiful! Our hens decided that the coop was so nice that they didn't come out for two days. We now move the water and feed out of the coop during the day and then back in before they go in at dusk so maybe that is why they go in and out so easily now. They go in each night at dusk like clockwork.

Yes I made those mods after reading on this board that have the roost above the nest boxes is a must. The original plan did not include it. I also built a poop shelf and use old cookie sheets to catch it. Now if they would only go inside!!

Roost above the shelf. Its a 2X4 ripped in half.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/uploads/73334_dscn2602.jpg

It would be just my luck that they would turn the other way and miss the tray. Ours seem to have a set way to roost, always in the same spot and always in the same order on the roost so I now know exactly where the droppings land and a tray would work great.

 

[NevadaRon]

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Not sure who you were referring to, but thanks if it was mine.

LOL, I was referring to hondo58's coop but I believe I already complimented you on yours a few pages back!

A question: Why do most people use flat 2x4's for roosts or squared off ones like you did?

Roosting in the "wild" would have been done on tree branches, and I've never seen a flat or square tree branch. Also, the "design" of the chicken is such that when they squat on their haunches the tendons in their legs pull the feet into a clench that grabs the roost so they don't fall off while sleeping. A round roost is therefore more natural and what they were "made" to do. Just curious...

 

[jessleeh]

I used the Purina coop plans too! And we modified it as well... hen door on the side, and the whole front a hinged for easy cleaning.

Guess I'll have to post some pics later when I get home! (i'm BYC Forum-ing at work.

 

[hondo58]

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Why thank you NevadaRon! I'm an Electrical Engineer and maybe just a bit of a Structural Engineer wannabee. I wanted something that fit within the design of our home and barn and didn't stick out like a sore thumb. I got a TON of info from all you knowledgeable folks so thanks everyone for sharing! The more I look at the Purina Coop basic design the more I like it. It was fairly easy to build even after modifying the plans to suit my needs. It also has all the right design characteristics as far as ventilation, natural lighting with the skylight, cleaning access, space, easy access to the nest box etc that seem to be recommended by the folks who really know and that's all of you. Plus the hens love it which is the most important thing.

 

[ThinkingChickens]

Quote:
Not sure who you were referring to, but thanks if it was mine.

LOL, I was referring to hondo58's coop but I believe I already complimented you on yours a few pages back!

A question: Why do most people use flat 2x4's for roosts or squared off ones like you did?

Roosting in the "wild" would have been done on tree branches, and I've never seen a flat or square tree branch. Also, the "design" of the chicken is such that when they squat on their haunches the tendons in their legs pull the feet into a clench that grabs the roost so they don't fall off while sleeping. A round roost is therefore more natural and what they were "made" to do. Just curious...

The only explanation I've ever found is that on the square roosts, when the chicken lowers itself, they can completely cover their toes with their feathers thus staying warmer in winter. Otherwise, I have no idea.

 

[CarolynF]

I would make one suggestion for this design because mine is VERY similar. If I could do it over, I'd change the big drop-down door to have hinges on the sides and open in the center like cupboard doors. It would be much easier to handle.