Helpful hints for building coops

[CapricornFarm]

We have been busy fencing the back yard. The quotes for installing chain link varied from $7,000 to $11,000!!! We used welded wire fence. I think it cost around $2, 000. Big difference. Lucky for me, hubby did most of it himself. I helped with the back section, which made it easier for him.

 

[Sally PB]

How tall is the fence?

 

[My Very First 6 Chickens]

Never underestimate the strength, dexterity, and sheer determination of raccoons! They are everywhere and eat anything. Getting to your feed, eggs, and birds are like winning the lottery for them and they are addicted to playing the numbers. They will not stop trying and will eventually find one lock unlocked or one gap not plugged. Check every day that everything is still secured, look for holes, gaps, tears, signs of digging. Double or triple up on your locks, in case one doesn't catch, and don't just use more of the same type. If it takes more strength to open than a toddler has and includes something that requires use of your opposable thumb, it's a winner. Be diligent, because raccoons are persistent.

Check your Chooks and Check em again <3

 

[My Very First 6 Chickens]

I don't know how many people know this little trick, but i use it a lot. When you have to interrupt your painting session, just pop your brush into a plastic sandwich bag and wrap it around snugly. I have kept paint brushes fresh for up to two weeks this way. Beats using a lot of water to rinse them out each time.

i do this but first soak the brush in the paint your using first. Makes a little 'bath' of paint for the brush to sit in. I have mine last months!

 

[jvls1942]

I am about the same latitude as Deb. same kind of winters. some times I used to supply heat. I had thermo cubes. they turned on at 30F and off at 40F
i used them mainly to keep the water from freezing. i used an electric heater. pointed it directly at the waterer. it kept it just barely from freezing on the minus 20F days. a side advantage was that the chickens got a little suplemental heat and they saved their energy to lay eggs. one day it was 22F below zero and i got 14 out of 14 eggs. that didn't happen often.
those were buff orpingtons.