My adaptation of the "Purina" Design

[AlanMc]

It was easier than a tin roof and a whole lot better than shingles. I didn't have to cut the width down, just overlapped it further. Also left the full length (79"). It is stiff enough that it doesn't need the full support. On your 6' width 2 sheets will still be enough if you don't have too much over hang on the sides (less than a foot each side). The sheets were $26.00 each at Lowe's so 52 for the roof was about the same as 2 bundles of shingles.

 

[birdbrain1948]

It was easier than a tin roof and a whole lot better than shingles. I didn't have to cut the width down, just overlapped it further. Also left the full length (79"). It is stiff enough that it doesn't need the full support. On your 6' width 2 sheets will still be enough if you don't have too much over hang on the sides (less than a foot each side). The sheets were $26.00 each at Lowe's so 52 for the roof was about the same as 2 bundles of shingles.

It looks wonderful, and I know the pullets will love it! Our coop is very similar, but we went with the steel roof. I pulled ideas from so many of you, that I need to get busy and share my pictures, also.

 

[Jenismyname]

Your coop looks great! So far I have only built the legs on mine and started the roof framing. Other than my brooder this is the first thing I've ever really built. I'm building by myself with a two year old helper, so it's going to take forever. Thank you for sharing your pictures.

 

[Angelight]

Looks great! Mine is also a "Purina" modification. ; )

 

[AlanMc]

Jen, I had 8 & 10 yr old grandaughters helping me (mostly the 8 yr old). I really enjoyed their company and assistance. So as the commericial says "lumber 200 bucks, Paint 50 bucks, pawpaw time priceless"

 

[AlanMc]

Started adding the run to the coop. It is 8 L x 8 W x 6 tall. I am using 2 x4 welded wire then adding 1/2 hardware cloth at the bottom 2 feet.

 

[AlanMc]

Well, I quit for now. As my grandaughter said "It's only a chicken house"...righhhttt. An expensive one after all said and done. And I am not done. Still have stapling and screwing wire down a little better, then doing a real paint job. But the chicks were out growing their large dog kennel and I had to get them moved. They are loving the freedom. Flying and running all over the pen. Pecking and pulling at grass, investigating everything. They are also starting to develop their "Pecking" order. The biggest Barred Rock is stating her case, but I think one of the smaller Rhode Island reds is actually coming out on top. The Buff orpingtons are just staying out of the way, enjoying their first dust baths.

The structrually finished coop & pen
Their first inspection. I opted for sand on the floor. I am going to make me a screen sifter like a hand shovel to de-poop the sand.

Getting out on the ramp. you can see the dog kennel they were all in, in the background.

 

[AlanMc]

Added my water system today. I used a 5 gallon bucket from Lowes and 1" pvc. The only problem I had was fixing the pipe to the bucket. I used a threaded adapter and a conduit nut and washer on the inside. I applied a bead of silicon on both sides then let it squish out when I tightened the nut. I also added more and wiped it around both sides making a nice fillet seal. I left it to dry for 24 hours before adding my pipe. It just seems to be the weakest link and will cause future problems.




My girls figured it out real quick.

 

[mountainlover]

I like your waterer! I think we might try that, if we can figure out what you did. How is it working? We are currently putting on the roofing. Did you use the filler stuff? The instructions say every two feet, is that necessary or can it just be put in the outside edges?

 

[AlanMc]

Mountainlover - Sorry I didn't reply sooner.

No, I didn't use the filler strips on the roof. The water system works great. Makes life a lot easier.

On the waterer, I used 1" pipe & fittings. In the bucket I drilled the a 1-3/8" hole. In the hole, I fit a pvc adapter that is 1" pipe thread on one end with a 1" slip on fitting on the other. Inside the bucket I used 1" conduit nuts with a large conduit washer (hard to find). I placed a bead of silicone on both sides of the hole and put the fitting & nut together, then went over the whole assembly with more silicone. !!!LET IT DRY!!! I didn't wait long enough (24 hr min) and had to clean everything off and try again.