Illinois...

[jdragonwings]

Nice plans. Definitely an outdoor build, so ignore my previous post on building it in the garage... Pray for good weather soon.

One thing I noticed in your build design is the run space below the coop. It may not be fun to collect eggs from under there when a hen decides to lay her egg way back in the corner. Just a thought... Been there dealt with that with my old coop that was raised off the ground a bit...
View attachment 2533931

Oh thanks for that; I didn't realize they might lay outside randomly like that. Maybe I'll add a small door to the screen on the bottom there...

 

[Molpet]

I have the grabber my mom used, to get high items down, to get those hard to reach eggs.

 

[SnootyHen]

As someone who had a flock of inside chickens for WAY longer than planned due to coop building drama, I'd set aside a few days to knock out that build as fast as you can once we thaw out here. After having 4 month old chickens still living inside, my next flock was outside at about 7 weeks because I wasn't playing that game again!

 

[cavemanrich]

I made this multi purpose from a cat food can, nailed to 1 x 2 piece of wood.
reaches eggs in hard to get to places with ease.

 

[WhyDoILikeChickens]

I have definitely researched the heck out of this! I am building my own, with help from my loving (and patient) husband. I recently learned how to use a miter saw and a few other fun power tools so hopefully I won't be in too much over my head-but if that happens I have him to help.
I'm planning on roughly 10'x6' for the whole structure (coop and run). The coop will be raised about 2' off the ground, situated at one end and 4'x6'. I had to get a permit here and will have to have it inspected when I finish. Personally I feel that is overkill, and going to add to my cost bc they have specifications I have to follow.
I attached my most current sketches.
The nest boxes I haven't drawn out but will be 2-3 along the front section, possibly a bit of extra area for storage next to them bc I know I don't need 4.

Well done. You have put lots of effort into this. We hope it goes perfectly.
I woke up one day and said let's get chickens and the next day I got chickens lol. I am sink or swim type. I only learn the hard way. My flock is probably only alive today because of this group lol.

 

[WhyDoILikeChickens]

And anyone who may be interested but have not heard........ I recently saw news about an elderly couple that survived covid 19 then died after receiving the vaccine. Also some people are developing blood disorders after receiving the vaccine.

https://www.ibtimes.com/covid-vaccine-linked-rare-blood-disorder-3142662

https://www.thehealthsite.com/news/...vid-19-vaccine-cautionary-note-issued-791302/

 

[Molpet]

And anyone who may be interested but have not heard........ I recently saw news about an elderly couple that survived covid 19 then died after receiving the vaccine. Also some people are developing blood disorders after receiving the vaccine.

https://www.ibtimes.com/covid-vaccine-linked-rare-blood-disorder-3142662

https://www.thehealthsite.com/news/...vid-19-vaccine-cautionary-note-issued-791302/

Well that's disturbing.

 

[Faraday40]

Congratulations and we will wait patiently for pics.
Please research coop size. The prefab coops at the big box stores will say they fit 6 chickens but actually only big enough for 2-3.

or Zero depending on breed

I have a few 10lb orp hens that would have a very hard time fitting through the door of those little pre-fab coops. Not to mention my giant roosters.

 

[SnootyHen]

Well done. You have put lots of effort into this. We hope it goes perfectly.
I woke up one day and said let's get chickens and the next day I got chickens lol. I am sink or swim type. I only learn the hard way. My flock is probably only alive today because of this group lol.

Funny! That's how I got mine too! Growing up playing on the farm, I had some experience and I am an animal lover and a little bit of a barefoot country girl. I had always said we need chickens because we go through a dozen eggs a day easily but with my job and commute and busy kids, I never thought I'd have time. I texted my cousin last March when I saw the chick days post on their FB page and said "do you have all the stuff I need for chicks and can I come tomorrow morning?" Drove out to the farm, got 4 chicks (because you know, village ordinances and all) a waterer, feeder, lamp, shavings and a bag of chick starter. Stopped at Menards and picked up a giant rubbermaid tote. Went back 4 days later to get 3 more chicks (because chicken math). And then thought "Oh $*@&!!! I gotta build a coop!!!" And then once I got them in their coop and laying (most of them) and happy and things were smooth, I of course needed 5 more because I am never content with calm waters. LOL!!! Chicken math is real!!!!

 

[SnootyHen]

And anyone who may be interested but have not heard........ I recently saw news about an elderly couple that survived covid 19 then died after receiving the vaccine. Also some people are developing blood disorders after receiving the vaccine.

https://www.ibtimes.com/covid-vaccine-linked-rare-blood-disorder-3142662

https://www.thehealthsite.com/news/...vid-19-vaccine-cautionary-note-issued-791302/

I hate to be a negative Nelly but I suspected we were going to start hearing about the side effects and aftermath of these vaccines. I am camp "no way never" but a few of my friends have already been vaccinated. I don't wish ill on anyone but I was afraid for them the moment I knew they were getting it.