Getting my 1st Coop - Now I'm Full of Questions! (Picture)

[bearcat73]

The only diversion from this schedule is that in the winter I need to give them fresh water in the freezing, dark morning because the water is sure to have froze overnight.

I don't know if this would work for you (if you have electric in your coop) but they sell these plug-in bowls that keep water from freezing. They're not made specifically for chickens but they would work. We have one for our barn cats. They sell them at Tractor Supply for $20.00:

 

[Picky Chicky]

YAAAAAY It's official!! DH called me and said he bought it and it's being delivered TONIGHT! I'm so excited I can't stand it!

<<breathing breathing>>

WOOHOO!!!!

I'm special.

 

[miron28]

AVandrie take pictures so we can see what it looks like!

 

[TheNewMrsEvans]

Will you make them a secure run to play in while you're away at work? I'm always nervous to have them free ranging while I'm not watching...

 

[Picky Chicky]

Quote:
Absolutely we plan to make a secure run! We live deep in the sticks where raccoons, deer, and even bears like to frolic. I have a picture on my MySpace page of one of the 'resident raccs' taste testing our trash on our porch. The only thing we had between us was the screen door and our camera. The flashes didn't phase our little trash collector.

I don't think I'm going to be able to get my first chickens until the 18th (Oct) for the Farmville buy/trade. Thank goodness DH is off that weekend - my trusty walking ATM card is always good to have with me.

By then we should have the extras built in and ready.

The coop was delivered this evening safe and sound - I couldn't watch them get it off the truck! I couldn't see if it's flawed or anything, and I plan to spruce it up with a barn star or two... unfortunately it was too dark for me to see anything. I was tempted to bring out the mega flashlight, but DH talked some sense into me (it started raining again). I'm hoping to take a half day from work tomorrow and will plan on taking some pictures if this rain ever stops.

 

[Mom2Cool]

ahhh I just got one of those coops a month & 1/2 ago & I just LOVE it! I don't know what you paid for it but in comparison to some other models that were carried by the shed places this was a great deal! I'd gotten mine from "cedargroveproducts.com but this coop was a real nice size & I figured it was just about the right size for the small flock I'm looking to keep (like 6 to 8 chickens) It came completely assembled & just like you'd said they set it in place and all so the day you get it you've got a coop you can just use... Of course the place I wanted it put in hubby had to take down a portion of a fence & so he'd wanted them to leave it & then he'd move it later (don't know why I listen to the man) LOL but again I just LOVE this coop! The only thing I think it could use is a couple of outlets in it & for it to be ready to be wired up to the electric. Aside from that it truly does seem to be critter proof (with the exception of bears of course). We ended up having to put up an electric fence around it for the bears but there's been several other critters that have had no luck... A word of caution if you've got racoons though because if a child can open it so can a racoon & they'll just sit & figure it all out.. So you want key locks on your latches. The latches are set up for the key locks actually but I put 1 more latch on the lid that opens to collect eggs so I could key lock that too. Here's a pic of mine on the day they'd moved it in & the birds all seem to really love it too!

Very roomy inside & lots of venting windows etc.

and again the birds seem to love it too!

mine is divided right now because I've got the buff orpingtons separated from the Austrolorp and they all have plenty of room. Now I'm just hoping I can finish intergrating them before winter so the screen barrier I rigged in the center can come down.... LOL

 

[Picky Chicky]

Quote:
Thank you for that great link and I can't wait to see the pictures later today (my work's firewall blocks anything from photobucket

)!

I was finally able to take some pictures of the coop yesterday and I found that these crazy-big spiders have already made their homes on the coop - I hate spiders!! Ew! At least I know my chickens will have "treats" to pick off when they arrive.

 

[Mom2Cool]

Quote:
Thank you for that great link and I can't wait to see the pictures later today (my work's firewall blocks anything from photobucket

)!

I was finally able to take some pictures of the coop yesterday and I found that these crazy-big spiders have already made their homes on the coop - I hate spiders!! Ew! At least I know my chickens will have "treats" to pick off when they arrive.

Actually later when you look at the posting later you'll see that the pics can be viewed here and it isn't just a link to photobucket. I have the same coop except for the color and I just love it. I hate spiders too but those chickens are going to LOVE them take my word for it! My chicks seem to adore a few moths here & there when they're available that is for sure... LOL Anyway I hope you love your coop as much as I did mine.

 

[Mom2Cool]

Hey AVandrie I just stumbled on our coop being sold on "my pet chicken" & I thought you might like to see. I don't know about you but I didn't pay no where's near that........ That was one of the reasons I'd picked it because it was a deal for the price & especially in comparison to the others that where offered. Anyway here's a link. I was just floored at the price.


http://www.mypetchicken.com/Chicken_Coops-_Craftsman_Coop__12_15_chickens_-P451.aspx

 

[the simple life]

I think its a great little coop! I noticed that in the ads for it though they claim its made for 12-15 chickens.
I have one that size and I only have 7 chickens in it, which is really all I would ever put in there either.
They recommend 4 square feet for each chicken, which would be 6 hens ideally.
Mine free range all day and only use it to sleep so I think is fine for 7, but I wonder how they think you could put as many as 15 in there.
There wouldn't even be enough room on the roost.
I would by this though for anyone just looking to have a few hens.
I actually may get one for my bantams who I have to keep seperate from my standards.
Well, its a great little coop, I am happy for you to get it.
I like what the floor is made of. It will be easy to clean.
The roost too. Everything is made for convenience.
Have fun with your chickens, congratulations!!