Help!! It's not just any ordinary coop.

[yourlove122]

We have three different types of chicks Black Australorp, Dominique, Rhode Island Red. They are a month and a half old. I'm using a little tikes playhouse for their coop. the playhouse is on a small square deck (call it deckA) with a flat bridge going to another slightly bigger square deck (call it deckB) with steps. For the playhouse I'm screwing in plastic vinyl sheeting (can be used for greenhouses) to cover the windows. It's to protect the chicks from weather and predators. The deckB will be a small type run, I do not know if I should put something down or just leave it plain. The playhouse on deckA I'm going to put down rubber mats so the sand/ grit doesn't go through the tiny cracks. I don't know what type of construction sand to use for the chickens coop. I live closer to home depot but if the lows construction sand is better then I will get that. I'm trying to make their home cozy and I don't want them to get bowlegged because of the flooring in deckB. I will be putting up chicken wire and a slant roof in deckB, a plywood board as a door from the steps (this is how they will enter and exit). If you have any helpful ideas of how I should finish building please comment. This is a VERY different coop from what I have seen online, other coops have access to grass and my chickens wont have any access unless I let them out to run. I will upload pictures of the decking later today.

 

[Michael OShay]

Just a couple of thoughts. I would not use fine sand like playground sand or beach sand as it has been known to impact chicken's crops. It better to use fine pea gravel or dirt. Also, I would not use chicken wire as too many predators can either tear right through it or pass through the openings (even 1" mesh). Instead you should use 1/2 " hardware cloth and secure it well with either bolts and screws and washers. Hope this helps.

 

[yourlove122]

These are pictures of the decks that the chickens will be on. I'm still working on the playhouse by putting in the windows. All I am working on is the playhouse and the bridge. the bigger deck with the steps I will work on later, I am just trying to get them outside because their makeshift upside down table with chicken wire, they are getting to big for. I don't have the money to get mesh wire, I already bought chicken wire. The only animal that would be danger for the chickens is a neighborhood cat. I will upload more pictures when I have more done. what construction sand should I use? the home depot or the Lows? home depot is closer to where I live. what type of brand should I look for and what should be the main thing I look for in the sand? I will not be using regular playsand.

 

[jetdog]

Construction sand at home depot I believe says it right on the bag, why can't you utilize the space under the deck as a run? I'm sure they appreciate stretching their legs and digging in real dirt.

 

[Michael OShay]

Construction sand at home depot I believe says it right on the bag, why can't you utilize the space under the deck as a run? I'm sure they appreciate stretching their legs and digging in real dirt.

If you do use sand make sure it is a very course sand like river sand with different sized grains and pebbles in it to reduce the potential for impacted crops.

 

[tntchix]

I can't wait to see it finished.