MJ's little flock

[MaryJanet]

Well, I didn't get any extra chickening done yesterday, but I had time with friends and family, and at ikea. But I did take away the crumbles.

Today's plan is to do one more sweep with the magnet and complete the Peggy exclusion zone. Then all the chick preparations will be in place.

I'm still not actually expecting a hatch. I'd rather not candle the eggs. I'll just wait and see what happens.

This very moment I'm having tea under the shade cloth and it's extremely comfy!

 

[MaryJanet]

A flipped lid of a pipe-style feed dispenser makes a great cup holder

 

[BY Bob]

I do appreciate coop improvements!

The door within the frame seems like a good way to go. It seems like it would hold less damp. Is that right?

Yes, that should solve the damp problem for certain. The chooks will also be able to look out that side now like all the others.

 

[BY Bob]

A flipped lid of a pipe-style feed dispenser makes a great cup holder

View attachment 3979096

Clever.

 

[MaryJanet]

Yes, that should solve the damp problem for certain. The chooks will also be able to look out that side now like all the others.

And you'll be able to see in. So that's three wins from one improvement

 

[BY Bob]

It's done. I finished slightly after dark.

I got rubberized hardware cloth as the chooks will be walking on it. Let's see how that holds up.

All wired up.

Installed with hinges in place.

Down

Up with one latch in place. Both are in place now but it was getting dark quickly and I wanted to get you a picture.

It needs painted now. The Cluckle Hut needs paint before winter anyway. So will the run extension and the new roof for the porch.

That's right. Turns out when I was examining the extension I observed the porch roof is also rotted. That did not age well.

 

[BY Bob]

And you'll be able to see in. So that's three wins from one improvement

Yes it is. I'm glad the inspiration hit me as I looked at it today.

 

[MaryJanet]

Here's a quick construction update for you MJ because I know you like to see these projects. I think I have the drop door solution figured out.

Here is the rotted door.

View attachment 3978974View attachment 3978975

I'm going to use 2x2 to build a door inside the coop frame and cover it with hardware cloth.

I have the 2x2s cut.

View attachment 3978973

The side door on the extension is built that way.

View attachment 3978977

But I'm out of hardware cloth. Off to tractor supply I am.

I'm going to get some high protein all flock pellets anyway and start the move away from chick food.

Taking a second look at photo 3 Bob, and I'm wondering if the hens like to dust bathe under there in summer. It looks very cool and very dusty.

 

[MaryJanet]

rubberized hardware cloth

Interesting! I've never seen that product at the hardware shop, not that I've ever looked for it!

 

[MaryJanet]

Turns out when I was examining the extension I observed the porch roof is also rotted. That did not age well.

Was it a thinner type of ply?

We used 3ply on the wide ramp and I think that's why it sagged.