Helpful hints for building coops

[aart]

Yup, Jim.....yours is gonna meet mine.

 

[BBHF1775]

I am currently building my biggest coop ever and thought about how many newbies are trying to build their first coop ever. Thinking of all you struggling to learn the use of tools and with questions on your mind about planning, i thought it would be helpful to share what i have learned and let others do the same. Even small tips can ease frustration in the building process. If you just want to share pictures of your progress, have at it. Let's share and encourage each other.
The usual back yard chicken rules apply. Please play nice, no need to be rude. Everyone has to learn sometime . Welcome to my coop building thread.

Great thread!! I'm looking forward to following along. I have a few basic suggestions, all of which we learned in building our very first coop. Good old trial and error!

• My number one suggestion? Make it bigger than you think you need!
• Take the time to prepare your coop site, level the area if you need to. Do you have plumbing at/near your coop or can you install some? Because carrying buckets sucks, especially in winter. Make sure you have adequate drainage in your coop & run area before you build coop which may mean digging trenches for drain tile. Trust me on this one.
• Really think through your coop layout. Include a space that your chickens can't get into for storage if you have the room so you're not constantly lugging things out to the coop and have supplies right at hand when you need them. Include tons of ventilation. An isolation area for sick or new birds is also great if you have the space.
• Make it easy to clean. I highly suggest painting the interior so you can really scrub it out when needed. Also paint the floor or lay inexpensive linoleum to make it easy to scrub.
• Upcycle old windows and doors, architectural salvage shops and Craigs list are a great resource where you can also get some deals on lumber and you'll make yourself a very unique coop.
• Youtube has all kinds of great tutorials on how to build, especially helpful with things like setting the roofline. If you get stuck on a task, just do a search.
• And have fun!

 

[BBHF1775]

Small tip to start off! How to connect power cords so they stop pulling apart while in use.View attachment 1101385

 

[CapricornFarm]

Soooo....we need a 'hint'(actually a full detailed explanation) as to how you fixed it.

We didn't get bust a dusting of snow and hardly any freezing rain.
Eaves are even dripping a bit.

Ollie's., will do tonight. Shopping right now.

 

[CapricornFarm]

Great thread!! I'm looking forward to following along. I have a few basic suggestions, all of which we learned in building our very first coop. Good old trial and error!

• My number one suggestion? Make it bigger than you think you need!
• Take the time to prepare your coop site, level the area if you need to. Do you have plumbing at/near your coop or can you install some? Because carrying buckets sucks, especially in winter. Make sure you have adequate drainage in your coop & run area before you build coop which may mean digging trenches for drain tile. Trust me on this one.
• Really think through your coop layout. Include a space that your chickens can't get into for storage if you have the room so you're not constantly lugging things out to the coop and have supplies right at hand when you need them. Include tons of ventilation. An isolation area for sick or new birds is also great if you have the space.
• Make it easy to clean. I highly suggest painting the interior so you can really scrub it out when needed. Also paint the floor or lay inexpensive linoleum to make it easy to scrub.
• Upcycle old windows and doors, architectural salvage shops and Craigs list are a great resource where you can also get some deals on lumber and you'll make yourself a very unique coop.
• Youtube has all kinds of great tutorials on how to build, especially helpful with things like setting the roofline. If you get stuck on a task, just do a search.
• And have fun!

View attachment 2024832View attachment 2024833

Thanks for your input and welcome to the thread!

 

[aart]

Temps been slowly dropping all day...snow not as much as forecast, tho lake effect looming for overnight..
Gave the chooks some rolled oats soaked with sav-a-chick.

 

[jvls1942]

below zero already at dusk.
turned on a small electric foot warmer to help the main heater keep it warm in here.
just a dusting of snow yesterday.
got our taxes done.
Annie decided to not go back to work at the same caretaker job she has been at for 23 years. They are trying to make her work days. that is not possible nor does she want to. She has been with that young man from day one. has more seniority than anybody there.
.......jiminwisc.......

 

[Molpet]

below zero already at dusk.
turned on a small electric foot warmer to help the main heater keep it warm in here.
just a dusting of snow yesterday.
got our taxes done.
Annie decided to not go back to work at the same caretaker job she has been at for 23 years. They are trying to make her work days. that is not possible nor does she want to. She has been with that young man from day one. has more seniority than anybody there.
.......jiminwisc.......

I turned the heat up 4 degrees. Just in case

Sounds like they want her to quit

 

[jvls1942]

I turned the heat up 4 degrees. Just in case

Sounds like they want her to quit

yup, that is kind of what we thought , too.
Kind of a stupid move on their part with it so hard to find good reliable help..
You wouldn't believe what kind of people the agencies send ..

 

[CapricornFarm]

Sorry I didn't get a chance to explain how I fixed the roof. I will get some pictures tomorrow.