Momentary Panic

[Echolalia]

I was tossing and turning last night, fretting about what I'm going to do for a enclosure for my chicks. I got a call that the coop has arrived and I will pick it up this morning. It is not enclosed whatsoever, so I will have to build an enclosed run to go under it. Did I mention that I don't have much in the way of building skills? Husband can take apart and reassemble a computer, but has zero home improvement skills. So there I am, trying to figure out what lumber to use, how much hardware cloth I will need, how to make it all into some sort of rectangular shape that I can attach to the coop, should I build something big (6 ft L x 8ft W x 6 ft H), should I build something small (5 ft L x 4 ft W x 3 ft H), should it be a permanent structure, should it be detachable & how would I secure it to the coop ....

It sucks being the handyman in the family when your handiness is limited to installing locks, refinishing cabinets and painting walls.

Arrrrrgggghhh!

 

[chi-chick]

When you get your coop, send in some pictures, and I am sure someone can help you.

 

[hbwbk]

OMG you have more experience then I do I have two left feet for hands and my hubby can rewire the whole house pick up wood and we just look at each other and laugh. We are building the coop and we are having the hardest time. Check out the area where they have chicken coops on the main forum maybe you can get some ideas thats where we got ours from I learned so much.. I think the yard should be pretty big so they have room to play and should be covered with wire to keep out hawks and owls and such..It's up to you if you want it to be moved some times it's a good idea so you can reseed or clean the area..

 

[Katydid2011]

How much space do you have? Are you urban, suburban, rural? Will you be allowing your chickens to free-range or be out on pasture? If you provide some more information (a photo of your coop would be great, too) we'll be able to offer better input!

 

[colebarnhart]

I just finished mine last month and if I had it to do all over again and I've read many other people posting similar these, which is err on the side of going bigger. I built mine with the laying boxes coming out the sides, however, I now wish I had just made a bigger coop and made them inside with just a small door for me to get the eggs. Not sure where you live and what kind of predators that you might have to worry about. But I would use hardware wire around the bottom border of your run area to prevent raccoons and possiums from getting at your flock.

 

[Katydid2011]

P.S. I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who tosses and turns and loses sleep over their chickens.

 

[Katydid2011]

Quote:
X2 - Bigger is better! You won't regret it.

 

[Bengalcats1]

Quote:
I feel your pain....lucky for my chickens my run will be bigger than I would have made it cause I don't own a saw and can't cut the wood so it'll be longer and taller than planned

 

[Naughty]

try the book, "chicken coop for dummies" - it has great ideas, and it made it sound so simple to me - and im no carpenter

 

[ranchhand]

Welcome to BYC and congratulations on becoming a chicken tender!

When you look at coop pics and plans, pay attention to how the pieces of wood are joined, one to the other. That's a key element!

Best of luck - post some pics and we'll all help!