Hubby said YES!!!! Now what? I need HELP! :D

[LukeandAli]

So much great advice!!!! Thank you!!!! My hubby and I are ready to start our project and all of your insight will be invaluable. Last night, we even decided what two breeds we want to start with!

I'll be sure to post some pictures once we get the building underway. Thank you again for the advice (and PLEASE keep it coming!).

~Luke and Ali

 

[LukeandAli]

BTW, I did forget to mention earlier that we're planning to start with about a dozen ladies and we are in the Northwest. Summer's rarely get above the 80's (other than the hour or two in the heat of the day) and winters don't typically below 30 degrees very often. We're looking at standard size Barred Rocks and Wyandotes.

 

[The Sheriff]

If it is 2" off the ground make sure you place skirting all around the bottom to prevent baby chicks from going under and getting stuck. Even then, check often that the bids haven't dug next to the coop and created an opening under the skirting. Mine had to be elevated in front due to sloping yard. The entire time hubby was building, we were dragging chicks out from under it with a net. Finally added and skirting and ended that problem. Good luck.

 

[mjlabs]

I to am drawing up a plan to build a coop this spring. I have been looking for inexpensive materials also besides lumber. I have old metal off an old building on the farm for the roof/siding. As far as windows I am looking at the triple track storm windows at lowes for $30/ea. Also check out any damaged or returned items at your hardware stores. For example, my local Lowes also has a returned steel entry door for $30 that is well over $100. I dont know when you plan on building your coop but take your time looking for deals and you'll be suprised what you can save. I have all winter to be looking.........

Good Luck!

btw- my goal is for egg production so i'm going with standard/heavy breeds, barred rocks and rhode island reds for starters.....

 

[Tracy the chick]

Well done

i would recomend putting wheels on it. The best thing we did. Heres a picture of mine. We didnt build it we bought it online.

Sorry about all the pictures but thought they could give you and your husband some ideas..Tracy. Xx

 

[oldchickenlady]

Lots of factors determine what kind of coop is best...such as how many birds do you want, will you free range or will they always be contained in a run, large fowl or bantam breeds, and how large a run do you need. Best thing to do before you start building is first figure out how many hens you want, then start looking at the coop pages to get ideas and to see what works and what doesn't. For example...never, ever use chicken wire, it will not keep out any predator! Use 1x2 welded wire for your run or hardware cloth, o. Your windows also. There are many sizes and designs of runs and coops, check them out, then decide.

 

[JP101010]

Habitat for Humanity has stores called "ReStores" Its basically a warehouse of home depot-esque , materials all at very low prices.
Also home depot has an "oops rack" for Paint $5 & less- and culled lumber rack.
Craigslist-free , farm and garden and materials
Etsy.com /Ebay has great vintage farm chicken memorabilia for that perfect "farm fresh eggs" sign

a great tip for building your coop: always build with maintenance in mind!

Hope to see pics & congrats on this new and very rewarding journey!

 

[oldchickenlady]

Lots of factors determine what kind of coop is best...such as how many birds do you want, will you free range or will they always be contained in a run, large fowl or bantam breeds, and how large a run do you need. Best thing to do before you start building is first figure out how many hens you want, then start looking at the coop pages to get ideas and to see what works and what doesn't. For example...never, ever use chicken wire, it will not keep out any predator! Use 1x2 welded wire for your run or hardware cloth, o. Your windows also. There are many sizes and designs of runs and coops, check them out, then decide.

 

[LukeandAli]

Good to know about the chicken wire! I don't know what I'd do without you geniuses!

Keep the great advice coming!