Getting closer to finishing our coop

[GSDBESTK9]

Well, hubby and I are no experts (no builders) but even though our coop isn't perfection, I think it is not too bad.

We still have a few things to do like finishing the roof, the coop floor (I think we are just going to paint it), adding perches, the coop door and painting it, but we hope to have it finished this week so we can start building the run...






Hubby taking a break

 

[GSDBESTK9]

By the way, I have 2 questions for you experts:

1. What is best to use in the nesting boxes? Pine Shavings or Hay???

2. If you look at the nesting boxes we installed, do you think we will have a problem with the chickens roosting on the boxes all the time? Will they make the eggs dirty? Is there something I should do to keep them from doing this? Maybe (somehow) build a roof over it???

Thanks for all your help!

 

[GableBabble]

Not an expert, but I would not use hay. Pine shavings or wheat straw. I use both (I ran out of shavings and was too lazy to travel to town to get more. Had extra straw and used it) without problems.

 

[JackE]

I use pine shavings in the nest boxes, and use the same thing for the floor. I think you'll be OK with your nest boxes. Chickens usually like to roost at the highest point in the coop. Just install your roost bars higher than the nest boxes(Not directly over them) and you be set. Your coop is looking good so far.
Jack

 

[GSDBESTK9]

Cool, I'll stick to the Pine shavings I think.

Thank you!

 

[krisendaaves]

i really like your coop. we have been looking for ideas, and yours is being made/constructed very well and carefully. if you have time, would you write me back and tell me how long it will take us to build one like yours, and how many chickens it will house? we have eleven chickens, although up to three may have to be relocated, because we don't yet know if they are males, and how that will work out. (ha) they are approx four weeks old, and getting big, and we are under the gun, because we know that we should've begun their house a month ago. ugh. how large will your run be? i will enjoy hearing from you and learning anything you have to share. sincerely, krisenda.

 

[GSDBESTK9]

Thank you! It is 4 x 8 and it took us 3 evenings to get to this point (see last picture) I think we still have 2 more evenings to have it done. So it really depends on how many hours you put into it a day. We have probably been putting about 4 hours a day into it? Give or take. Oh and we have 6 chicks but would love to get some more, I think it will be plenty of room but I would not do more than lets say 10-12 chicks? I'm new at this myself so don't take my word for it.