Micro Farm Coop Worklog [UPDATE: SHINGLES ON - PAGE 27]

[Sweetfolly]

Urgh! Don't you hate it when power-tools don't cooperate?

What you've done so far with your coop is inspirational!

I just bought the materials to construct two new ducks pens last week - and I've got practically nothing done. I've got to hurry up - I've got 10 little (4 week old) stinkers living in a Rubbermaid Stock Tank in the garage, and there's literally a half-inch of sludge covering the bedding every morning when I get up and take them out to their makeshift-run.

Luckily for me, my project isn't nearly as elaborate as yours! Good luck getting it all finished!

 

[cmom]

I hate it when you're almost there and then something breaks.

Great looking coop. I will be building a new coop soon and looking for ideas.

 

[DarkWolf]

Yeah.. It happens though.. Just glad I got the nest box in place, if even part way done. Ended up with three eggs today. One on the floor early (someone's first) and two in the box later on.

I'm going to whip up a box cover with two openings later today so that it's darker and more "comfy cozy" in there for them.

 

[DarkWolf]

Today DD and I worked on the chicken run panels, giving it a full coat of paint. We also got the nest boxes painted. Tomorrow I'm planning on getting the panels wired and bolted in place on the coop.

We painted one side of all the panels laid down on the rabbit run, which is what all these are leaning against. Once all the panels were painted with two coats on one side, we leaned them up and started painting the other side. Two coats of exterior semi gloss latex and they seem good to go.. But I'm sure I'll touch up some spots here and there.

Also worked on the nest box and got a good coat on it. I've still got to install the weather seal over the gap in the lid. I'll show how it's done later on when I do that.

I decided to put a spring latch on the lid to help make sure it stays closed [and open.. There's a hook end on the wall too].

I've also got two more hinges that need mounted on the box that will keep the inside from sagging. Some time tomorrow I'm also going to staple some felt insulation strips down along the inside to seal the lid for winter.

 

[chaoschicken]

It's looking good.

 

[Suburban chick farmer 09]

Looking good. Don't do too much work all at once. Us procrastinaters have to stick together.

 

[DarkWolf]

Why, as acting president of the BYCPA, it would be far from me to do too much work.. I might get impeached if I do!

 

[Suburban chick farmer 09]

LOL just making sure you were still on board.

 

[DarkWolf]

Bound to loose my place as BYCPA president if I keep this up.

Here's the latest on the run. Half of it is in place. Three other are ready to be placed and two have yet to be wired.

Going with the individual panel method has several advantages..

1.) It's easier to wire. Lay it down, tack the corners and then go around with fence staples making it nice and tight. Takes a bit of work, but I can bounce a quarter off of it.. Provided it doesn't fall through.
2.) I don't have to worry so much about the ground.. But that's also a down side, as the top is not even. No big deal though, as you can just bolt a 2x4 at the top to smooth things if needed.
3.) I can change it any time I feel like it. I can add to it.. Shift the direction.. Or do whatever.
4.) Easy for one person to do.. Once the panel is wired, just lift it and carry it over, then use a clamp to hold it in place while you drill and bolt it up.

The bolt is a 1/4", 4" long galvanized bolt with fender washers on either side.

Chickens aren't happy that I'm not done though.

More panels waiting to be bolted up... I've got to move some of a rock pile though so I can place them.

Detail shot of the... ummm... detail... I'll be using this detail on the coop as well at the peak of the roof.

And that's it for today.. Finally got too hot and called it quits. Would have been better if the wind was blowing, but it wasn't... At all.

 

[Cheep a'lil Talk a'lil]

Looking good. I really like the idea of the being able to move it. I'm going to have to debate with myself about it for a while...hummmmm

Off topic question...I think I remember you saying that you planted over a hundred tomatoes. Do you use tomato cages? If so what kind? I'm getting sick of the metal ones. $3 for a small $7 for a small, what a rip!! And then they rust and fall apart.
So I'm looking for something new to use.