More pics: 5/9: My finished coop!!! (the run is almost there!)

[Momagain1]

no, they havent at all...

but we also have it NOT attached so we can raise it if need be...

hubsters has already planned for raising it..not sure why he just didnt do it already tho?

so we should put a perch on it??? the openings ot me dont look very big..he said they are 12x15..??

 

[Momagain1]

but they arent at laying age now yet anyhow..does that make a diff?

thats something I was wondering about..when they'd start getting into the nesting boxes...

 

[cukooformarans]

I've never thought of a permanent catch pan under the roosting poles! GENIUS! Where did you find it-it looks like the perfect size!!

 

[cukooformarans]

And much easier to take that out and clean it than to empty ALL of those wood shavings every other day!!

 

[F106A]

What are your plans for the "roof" on the run? I am building a similar run, but without as many 4x4s. Yours looks great, and I'm impressed with using the cull lumber. Nice move!

Mark

 

[Celtic Chick]

Quote:
I have read some people post a certain height for nesting boxes, but I can't remember if it was a minimum or a maximum, or what it even was, for that matter. I do know the hens like the boxes to be up off the ground for security reasons, so your hubby is right to want to raise them. A predator isn't as likely to attack a hen sitting on a nest that is up high. So maybe when your girls come of age, they will prefer the top boxes. And they will need a perch to jump up on to before getting in the box.
The size of your boxes is plenty big for your girls. A standard box is generally around 12"x12"x12" or so. Some are 12x14".
When they feel that first egg inside them, they'll be looking for a safe place to lay it. Chickens are curious & will explore all around, so put some golf balls in the nest boxes, 1 in each is plenty, so they get the hint of where to go. Sooner or later they will figure it out. Some sooner, some later.

 

[Celtic Chick]

Quote:
I have a metal tray that slides out from underneath a rabbit hutch for my catch pan under the roosts. I just fill it with pine shavings & let em use it like a litterbox.

And, yes, it is really easy to pick up & dump out.

 

[acrossthebranch]

beautiful coop!!

 

[showme69]

Looks great. I hope to have our girls in the new coop by this weekend.

 

[shuizar209]

Looking good!!