Just finished my 3rd and best coop ... this one is for sale!

[donrae]

I had an elderly German Shepherd dog a few years ago. She was the calmest, most laid back dog. Never, ever glanced twice at the birds. But, when we tossed some leftovers in the run she decided she wanted, she went right through the chicken wire. Shocked me, I'd never have guessed she'd do that. It only took her about 10 minutes after I turned my back to be in the run and happily scarfing leftovers. Sure upset the chickens!

 

[perrypogue]

I had just never researched this site for information about chicken wire ... but I have now and I stand corrected. I always thought chicken wire looked sloppy and that was the first drawback but now I realize that it's ineffective as a predator barrier too. I'm going to spend the extra money and go with hardware cloth.

Thanks to those of you who brought this to my attention.

 

[aart]

1/2" HC is safer by virtue of smaller holes, no reach thru's and bars weasels, rats, and snakes.....
......and also harder to get a tooth into for a canine or coon.

But it can be fragile if not attached securely, it can be torn if an edge is exposed that can be grabbed by a strong tooth.
Needs to be taught and flat with edges securely fastened.

Screws and large washers at frequent intervals along edges,
or better yet trim board attached with screws thru mesh over edges.

 

[syndie]

Posted to follow

 

[The Lazy L]

...Now I'll see if it will sell! I've got $350 invested in material alone ... I'm asking $600 for the whole deal and the customer can either take this coop or I'll build one on their property....

A rule of thumb is take the material cost times 2 to include labor. $700 selling price.

Took you 21 days. Like you said $350 / 21 = just under $17 per day. But no taxes (?) or OSHA regulations, all pure profit.

 

[perrypogue]

Here's the pics

 

[TalkALittle]

I really like the look of this coop. Just some thoughts though. I'd want a steeper pitch on the roof to shed rain better. I'd also want a larger overhang on all sides to prevent rain penetration and wind and rain blowing in through the front vents. Not sure of your climate though. Maybe it doesn't rain enough to be a concern.

I'd also want the roof of the nest boxes to slope the opposite direction to prevent the birds from roosting on them.

I'd also want the nest boxes a bit lower and to have the roost lower. The birds might use the ramps up, but I know my birds would jump down rather than wait in line to file down one by one. I'd be worried that at that height they'd end up injuring themselves. Plus, if I had to retrieve a bird off that high roost it would be difficult.

Lastly, it doesn't look like there's much framing to the walls. All I see are the cross pieces of the fence panels and the boards (1x6"?) at the bottom and top. I'm wondering how it will hold up to moving.

 

[perrypogue]

Thank you for looking and offering advice.

Rain is not a concern as I live in quite an arid region ... it's the strong winds that concern me ... winds of 50 mph are somewhat common ... I fear the wind could rip the tin off.

That's a better idea on the slope of the nesting boxes ... I address the problem of them roosting on the nesting boxes by putting some scrap chicken wire on top but I like your idea better.

Regarding the ability to move the coop ... that is interesting. I used the 4 ea 2x6's at the bottom and 1 ea 2x6 at the top to allow me to span the gap with the 6' fence pickets. It's all screwed together with 3" screws ... I believe it would withstand moving ... however I don't know how to move it ??? I can only think of using one of these wrecker trucks with a flat bed ... I could put chain around the coop and the wrecker could pull it onto the bed. There are also a lot of farm trailers in my area and there is a fork lift at the feed store ... I think it's possible to use the lift to get it on a trailer.

But I've really thought that it would remain there as a sample. But that's $350 of my dollars tied up plus any customer may likely want the coop immediately.

Then my next sample could be built better incorporating your ideas ... plus the roof should be slanting from front to rear ... another mistake.

I'm also thinking of adding a small run to this coop and as I have a friend with an incubator I'm saving eggs now ... I could stock this coop with about a dozen chicks ... just seems the whole package might be more appealing to any potential customer.

 

[nanasacres]

I do like your overall design. TalkaLittle made valid points. I would elivate the coop a few feet as I live in Florida, plus it adds more square feet in hen's run which is shaded. Thanks for the inspiration.

 

[aart]

I really like the look of this coop. Just some thoughts though. I'd want a steeper pitch on the roof to shed rain better. I'd also want a larger overhang on all sides to prevent rain penetration and wind and rain blowing in through the front vents. Not sure of your climate though. Maybe it doesn't rain enough to be a concern.

I'd also want the roof of the nest boxes to slope the opposite direction to prevent the birds from roosting on them.

I'd also want the nest boxes a bit lower and to have the roost lower. The birds might use the ramps up, but I know my birds would jump down rather than wait in line to file down one by one. I'd be worried that at that height they'd end up injuring themselves. Plus, if I had to retrieve a bird off that high roost it would be difficult.

Lastly, it doesn't look like there's much framing to the walls. All I see are the cross pieces of the fence panels and the boards (1x6"?) at the bottom and top. I'm wondering how it will hold up to moving.

Ditto Dat^^^