Hold me back just a little bit longer

[gryeyes]

I now have the funds to purchase the materials for the new coop I'm planning to build. I've spec'd it out at Lowe's, have my quote in hand (been reading and re-reading the sheet more than once per day since I got it), and have a 3 day weekend coming up. Like, this coming Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

But it's supposed to rain. Also, I wouldn't be able to complete the coop in that time - just get started on it. It's gonna look something like this cardboard "scale" model:

Actual, finished COOP dimensions are 4 ft deep, 8 ft long, 4 ft front wall and 6 ft rear wall. I'm also gonna build a roll-out egg nest box, according to instructions Opa sent me.

I want to have the stuff delivered and tarp it. So I can go out and run my hands over the wood, obsessively check the hardware, and rev up the circular saw and cordless drill.

I know BYCers are enablers, but I still had to get this desire "out there." Blurt it, so to speak (type?) and let it escape into the continuum.

Should I try to get a start on it like this, or wait until the weather actually stops being as wintery as it gets here in California's Central Valley area?

 

[annie3001]

got to love your thinking on the cardboard design! too small for chickens.

anyways

from ct. looking forward to your progress!

 

[Intheswamp]

I don't think the scotch tape will hold up under the California sun.

Best wishes,
Ed

 

[Intheswamp]

As long as you can secure the wood from the elements, especially the plywood/sheetgoods, then you should be ok. Be careful about how you store the wood though as moisture can come from *below*.

You might consider using a little time to search out the restore, habitat for humanity, free-cycle for possibly some recycleable material.

But, whatever you do....don't spend that money on anything else!!!!

Best wishes on your coop!
Ed

 

[ADozenGirlz]

Quote:
Dude! LET 'ER RIP!!!!!!!! The sooner you get going, the sooner you fuel the impending addiction.

Love the cardboard mock-up!

 

[CoyoteMagic]

Go 8x8 you won't have to make so many cuts!! The one I'm getting ready to re-fit for quail is 8x8, 6ft front, 4ft back.

The popdoor to the unsecured run is 3ft off the ground. I did this to try to keep my "special" hen in the coop. (didn't work, lol) Also it was to deter predator. The ladder up to it is narrow and the hole itself is only 9inches wide. My Fat Blacksexies can make it up and in but the neighbors pitbull couldn't!!

 

[LittleFeat]

Oh you gotta get started now....you already "Blurted it out" and it has "escaped"

Hey do you have a living room....make your cuts bring them inside and start painting!! What about an EZ-UP portable cover you could work under if it's rainy? We did a lot
of the cutting and painting using one of those to shade us from the sun in the middle of August. I would definitely get the supplies while you've got the money....something
can always come up to seem a more urgent need for the cash

...but if it's already spent, you're safe!!

 

[Over Easy in Adna]

Go for it, after all I have seen more than one house built in the rain!

 

[Hillsvale]

and snow...

 

[Intheswamp]

Quote:
Ditto on going 8x8.

Check it out. Figure up how much more it would cost to go 8x8 and you might be pleasantly suprised...especially if you can find some recycled material! Doubling your square footage with an increase of 1/3 or maybe 1/4 the cost or maybe nothing. 4' and 8' seem to be minimum standard lumber dimensions.

It looks like you have some moderate temperatures with humidity averaging around 50%. Seems to me you could use a good bit of ventilation. Going with an 8x8 foot footprint with solid walls up to 4' high and hardware cloth enclosing the open areas it would take 1 more sheet of plywood for the walls and 1 more sheet for the floor. You'll need twice as many floor joists but only 25% more wall studs and wall plates. You would need some 2x4 blocking between the floor joists at the point where the 2 pieces of plywood meet. The roof will require roughly twice as much material and the foundation a third more material.

The extra 32 sq feet would be *well* worth it!

It really will never be cheaper to enlarge your coop than right now. After all....you *did* say BYC'ers were enablers.

Just some thoughts.
Best wishes,
Ed