Illinois...

[jdragonwings]

I am actually buying them thru a local farm store, Trellis Farm and Garden in Saint Charles. I was able to order only 1-2 of each breed. We are limited here to small numbers, so I'm ordering 5, but already thinking about getting one more... I have plans to make the coop big enough for at least 6

And my brooder is ready, I'm getting ready to start building the coop. I love snow, but I need it to go away so I can build!!!

 

[WhyDoILikeChickens]

I am actually buying them thru a local farm store, Trellis Farm and Garden in Saint Charles. I was able to order only 1-2 of each breed. We are limited here to small numbers, so I'm ordering 5, but already thinking about getting one more... I have plans to make the coop big enough for at least 6

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.

 

[WhyDoILikeChickens]

And my brooder is ready, I'm getting ready to start building the coop. I love snow, but I need it to go away so I can build!!!

Also I will recommend separate nesting boxes from roost. If they get too cozy in the nesting boxes they will just lay eggs in poop. I have accidentally achieved this lol.

 

[jdragonwings]

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.

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.

 

[cavemanrich]

BReeder! said:
I did see a video before online if somebody using a large propane torch to melt ice instead of using rock salt.

I have a torpedo heater but ironically it wont start when it's too cold.

Jeff

Is this the one ,,,, on video.

 

[SnootyHen]

Tell your neighbor that white/blue light spectrum is best for growing and red/yellow spectrum is best for flowering. Green is only for visibility at night to not disturb the flowering stage.

Green also disturbs my photos

 

[BReeder!]

And my brooder is ready, I'm getting ready to start building the coop. I love snow, but I need it to go away so I can build!!!

Good luck. Those chicks might get pretty big by the time all this snow thaws. Hoping for warm weather myself, but best of luck to you. Consider the option of building a movable coop you could construct in your garage and then move outside when the weather is nice. That said, I'm a fan of a walk-in coop, which wouldn't be easily built in a garage and moved later, but a smaller coop for up to 6 birds is a doable build.

 

[BReeder!]

I have a torpedo heater but ironically it wont start when it's too cold.

Jeff

Is this the one ,,,, on video.
View attachment 2533907

It was a different one, but a DIY flame thrower is way cooler!

 

[BReeder!]

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.

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...

 

[cavemanrich]

Am I the only one here seeing in parallels,,
I guess its better than tunnel vision.