Helpful hints for building coops

[CapricornFarm]

I need to go online and order an impact driver! Any special brand you recommend?

 

[GranolaGirl72]

Make the run door open out rather than in, and if you are in a snow area make sure you have the bottom of the door higher than ground level so that you are not cussing ice that may build up in front. Poop boards are a must as are large doors for cleaning.

 

[CapricornFarm]

Make the run door open out rather than in, and if you are in a snow area make sure you have the bottom of the door higher than ground level so that you are not cussing ice that may build up in front. Poop boards are a must as are large doors for cleaning.
View attachment 1105098

Love your coop! Jazzy floor. Great tip on the ice and snow. Hoping to not get too much of that this winter.

 

[CapricornFarm]

What size lumber do you use for poop boards? I just use the deep litter method.

 

[GranolaGirl72]

Lumber is just 2x4 length of the roost that support a piece of plywood covering the roosting area. We spread pdz on that upper level and pine shavings on the floor. Makes cleanup easy bc I can use a kitty litter scooper on that area and means I only change the pine a couple times a year.

 

[User395221]

I need to go online and order an impact driver! Any special brand you recommend?

I'm a bit of a "Bosch" fanboi - the weight and balance of their tools really suits me. Some other brands are too heavy for me.

BUT my impact driver is an el cheapo chinese brand, and it is pretty good to use and works well. I don't expect it to last, but I was VERY surprised at how good it is. (it came in a 3-tool kit for AU$99 - ridiculously cheap. Even if it only lasted one project, it would be worth the money and I've got quite a bit of use out of it). Perhaps grab a cheapie and see how it goes. If it's deficient OR if you turn into a construction meister, move up to a better brand then.

 

[CapricornFarm]

I will look and see what Harbor Freight has. Thanks!

 

[cholland]

I would recommend a name brand. They cost more but last longer. I have DeWalt tools and love them. Sawsall, drill, impact driver, etc. and they all use the same battery so I only need one charger and a couple of spare batteries to keep everything going when I need it.

 

[blackdog043]

I bought the porter cable drill and driver combo at Lowe's. Get the ones with the red battery. I was told, they hold up better than the black batteries. I paid $149 on sale. They have had a lot of use and still are going strong.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/PORTER-CABLE-2-Tool-20-volt-Max-Lithium-Ion-Cordless-Combo-Kit/4751832

 

[CapricornFarm]

Thank you for your recommendations!